Blower

Abstract

A blower is provided. The blower includes a blower housing, a motor for driving a fan disposed within the blower housing, and a controller disposed within the blower housing and electrically coupled to the motor for controlling a power output of the motor. The controller is configured to perform a plurality of operations. The plurality of operations includes receiving a power setpoint, receiving a measured power, comparing the power setpoint and the measured power to obtain a power difference, generating a control signal based on the power difference, and adjusting a power output of the electric machine based on the control signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to outdoor power tools, such as blowers. Background Technology

[0002] Outdoor tools such as blowers are typically used to concentrate debris (such as leaves) by blowing air. Various nozzles or attachments can be attached to blowers to achieve the desired effect. However, nozzles or attachments may negatively affect the blower's output.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved blowers. In particular, blowers capable of providing a constant air output across accessories would be advantageous. Utility Model Content

[0004] The aspects and advantages of the utility model according to this disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be apparent from the description or may be learned by practice of the art.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a blower is provided. The blower includes a blower housing, a motor for driving a fan disposed within the blower housing, and a controller disposed within the blower housing and electrically connected to the motor for controlling the power output of the motor. The controller is configured to perform a plurality of operations. The plurality of operations include receiving a power setpoint, receiving measured power, comparing the power setpoint and the measured power to obtain a power difference, generating a control signal based on the power difference, and adjusting the power output of the motor based on the control signal.

[0006] According to another embodiment, a method for controlling a blower motor is provided. The method includes receiving a power setpoint, receiving measured power, comparing the power setpoint and the measured power to obtain a power difference, generating a control signal based on the power difference, and adjusting the motor's power output based on the control signal.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the technology and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the technology. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The complete and practical disclosure of this utility model to those skilled in the art includes the best mode for manufacturing and using the system and method, as set forth in the specification, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] Figure 1A This is a perspective view of a blower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 1B According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A A side view of the blower;

[0011] Figure 2 According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A-1B A cross-sectional view of a portion of the blower;

[0012] Figure 3A According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A-1B A perspective view of the flat nozzle attachment of the blower;

[0013] Figure 3B According to embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A-1B A perspective view of the narrow nozzle attachment of the blower;

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a power control module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0015] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating two operating modes of a blower according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for operating a blower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for operating a blower according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an example computing system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The term “exemplary” as used herein means “as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or superior to other implementations. Furthermore, each example is provided by way of explanation rather than limitation. In fact, those skilled in the art will understand that modifications and variations can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the claimed technology. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, this disclosure is intended to cover such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Detailed description uses numerical and alphabetic names to refer to features in the drawings. The same or similar names in the drawings and description have been used to refer to the same or similar parts of the present invention.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the location or importance of an individual component. Unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references. Unless otherwise specified herein, the terms “connected,” “fixed,” “attached,” etc., refer both to a direct connection, fixation, or attachment and to an indirect connection, fixation, or attachment via one or more intermediate components or features. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “having,” “possessing,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent in such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless otherwise expressly stated, “or” means inclusive or, not exclusive or. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist), A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists), and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0021] Approximate terms (such as "approximately," "generally," "roughly," or "substantially") include values ​​within 10% larger or smaller than the stated value. When used in the context of angles or directions, such terms include values ​​within 10 degrees larger or smaller than the stated angle or direction. For example, "generally vertical" includes directions within 10 degrees vertical in any direction (e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise).

[0022] The benefits, other advantages, and solutions to the problems will be described below with reference to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to the problems, and any feature(s) that may lead to or make more significant any benefit, advantage, or solution should not be construed as key, necessary, or essential features of any or all claims.

[0023] Typically, adding different nozzle attachments to a blower can negatively impact its output. For example, some nozzle attachments may cause a reduction in the speed of the motor-related fan, thus reducing the air output from the blower (e.g., in cubic feet per minute). However, operating the motor at a constant power output (e.g., by using a closed-loop power control module) ensures that the blower output remains constant regardless of the nozzle attachment used and the type of nozzle attachment employed.

[0024] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1A A perspective view of a blower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1B An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1A A side view of the blower.

[0025] In at least one example embodiment, the blower 100 includes a blower housing 108 defining an air inlet 102 and an air outlet 104. The blower 100 may also include a blower duct 109 removably coupled to the blower housing 108. The blower duct 109 may define at least a portion of the air outlet 104. The blower 100 is configured to generate airflow along an airflow duct 106 extending between the air inlet 102 and the air outlet 104. For example, the airflow duct 106 may extend from the air inlet 102 through the blower housing 108 and the blower duct 109 to the air outlet 104, as... Figure 1B As shown.

[0026] In at least one example embodiment, blower 100 is configured as a standard handheld blower with a wireless battery-powered power source. For example, blower housing 108 includes a handle 115. Power source 116 may be removably coupled to blower housing 108. For example, power source 116 may include one or more batteries removably coupled to a portion of handle 115 of blower housing 108. In other example embodiments, blower 100 may include a wired power source and / or a gas power source. In still other example embodiments, blower 100 may be configured as a standard backpack blower (not shown) suitable for wearing on a user's back and having a wireless battery power source.

[0027] In at least one example embodiment, the blower 100 is configured to receive a nozzle attachment 126. The nozzle attachment 126 may be removably coupled to the blower tube 109 adjacent to the air outlet 104. For example, the blower tube 109 may include a plurality of threads 124 configured to engage the nozzle attachment. In other example embodiments, the nozzle attachment 126 may be secured to the blower tube 109 by other means, such as latch engagement. In still other example embodiments, the nozzle attachment 126 may be integral with the blower tube 109.

[0028] In at least one example embodiment, the nozzle accessory 126 is a standard nozzle, such as Figure 1B As shown. In other example embodiments, various types of nozzle attachments 126 can be removably coupled to the blower pipe 109, as will be described below in conjunction with Figures 3A-3B Let's have a discussion.

[0029] Figure 2 An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1A-1B A cross-sectional view of a portion of the blower.

[0030] In at least one example embodiment, the blower housing 108 may at least partially enclose components of the blower 100 (e.g., an airflow generating assembly 110 including a fan 112 and a motor 114 driving the fan 112) and various other components. Power to operate the airflow generating assembly 110 may be provided by a power source 116, such as one or more batteries removably coupled to the blower housing 108.

[0031] In at least one example embodiment, the airflow generating assembly 110 may be axially configured. For example, a fan 112 and a motor 114 may be located within a blower housing 108, between an air inlet 102 and an air outlet 104, and oriented along the central axis 120 of the airflow duct 106. Rotation of the motor 114 causes rotation of a motor shaft 122 extending along the central axis 120. The motor shaft 122 is coupled to the fan 112. In this way, rotation of the motor shaft 122 causes rotation of the fan 112.

[0032] In at least one example embodiment, the fan 112 includes a hub 130 and a plurality of blades 132. The hub 130 may have a generally circular cross-sectional shape and may extend along a central axis 120. A motor shaft 122 is coupled to the hub 130 and / or a fan drive shaft 134 to enable rotation to be transmitted from the motor 114 to the hub 130 or the fan drive shaft 134, and ultimately to the blades 132.

[0033] In at least one example embodiment, control electronics (e.g., controller 200) are disposed within the blower housing 108 and configured to control the motor 114 and the fan 112, as will be described below. Figure 4 To be discussed in more detail. For example, the controller 200 may be located inside the blower housing 108 near the handle 115.

[0034] In at least one example embodiment, a trigger 118 may be provided in the handle 115. The trigger 118 may be electrically connected to the motor 114, power source 116, and / or controller 200, and may be configured to control the operation of the blower 100 by starting and stopping the motor 114. In at least one example embodiment, an operator may use the trigger 118 to select and adjust the desired power output of the blower 100. In other example embodiments, an operator may use the trigger 118 to select and adjust the speed of the fan 112 of the motor 114.

[0035] Figure 3A An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1A-1B A perspective view of the flat nozzle attachment of the blower. Figure 3B An embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Figure 1A-1B A perspective view of the narrow nozzle attachment of the blower.

[0036] In at least one example embodiment, nozzle attachment 126 is a flat nozzle attachment (e.g., Figure 3A (As shown in the diagram). The flat nozzle attachment includes a first end 305 and a second end 310 opposite to the first end 305. The flat nozzle attachment can be removably coupled to the blower pipe 109 at the first end 305. In at least one example embodiment, the height of the flat nozzle attachment may decrease from the first end 305 to the second end 310. Additionally or alternatively, the width of the flat nozzle attachment may increase from the first end 305 to the second end 310. For example, the width of the flat nozzle attachment may increase from the middle portion of the flat nozzle attachment towards the second end 310, such as... Figure 3A As shown in the image.

[0037] In at least one example embodiment, nozzle attachment 126 is a narrow nozzle attachment (such as...). Figure 3B (As shown in the diagram). The narrow nozzle attachment includes a first end 320 and a second end 325 opposite to the first end 320. The narrow nozzle attachment can be removably coupled to the blower pipe 109 at the first end 320. In at least one example embodiment, the diameter of the narrow nozzle attachment decreases from the first end 320 to the second end 325.

[0038] In other example embodiments, nozzle attachment 126 includes a limiting nozzle, a tapered nozzle, a flared nozzle, an angled flared nozzle, or a drain attachment.

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a power control module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] In at least one example embodiment, the controller 200 of the blower 100 includes a closed-loop power control module 400. The closed-loop power control module 400 is configured to maintain a constant power output from the motor 114. For example, regardless of whether the nozzle attachment 126 is attached to the blower pipe 109, and regardless of the type of nozzle attachment 126 attached to the blower pipe 190 (e.g., a flat nozzle attachment, such as...), the controller 200 of the blower 100 includes a closed-loop power control module 400. Figure 3A (as shown) and narrow nozzle attachments (such as) Figure 3B As shown), the power output of motor 114 can be constant. In at least one example embodiment, the closed-loop power control module 400 includes a proportional-integral controller (“PI controller”).

[0041] In at least one example embodiment, the closed-loop power control module 400 receives a power setpoint 405. The power setpoint 405 may be a desired power output set by the operator of the blower 100. For example, the power setpoint 405 may be set by the operator using trigger 118, as described above. Figure 2Furthermore, a slope limiter 410 can be applied to the power setpoint 405. The slope limiter 410 receives the power setpoint 405 and is configured to limit the rate of change of the voltage output by the motor 114 of the blower 100. For example, the voltage output by the motor 114 increases over a period of time until it reaches the power setpoint 405.

[0042] Furthermore, the closed-loop power control module 400 receives the measured power 415 output from the motor 114. The measured power 415 can be obtained by receiving the measured motor current 420 and the measured motor voltage 425 from the motor 114. The closed-loop power control module 400 can be configured to filter the measured motor current 420 to provide a smooth reading. For example, the measured motor current 420 can be provided to a filter 430 to obtain a filtered current output 435.

[0043] In at least one example embodiment, filter 430 is a low-pass filter. For example, filter 430 may be an exponential moving average (“EMA”) filter. An EMA filter is a low-pass filter that depends on the most recent input value and the previous output value. An EMA filter is based on the following equation:

[0044] y[n] = α*x[n] + (1-α)*y[n-1]

[0045] Wherein, α is determined by the following equation:

[0046]

[0047] Among them, f c f is the cutoff frequency. s The sampling frequency is specified. In other example embodiments, filter 430 may include a Butterworth filter, a Chebyshev filter, or a simple moving average filter.

[0048] Still referencing Figure 4 The multiplier 440 can receive the measured motor voltage 425 and the filtered current output 435. The multiplier 440 multiplies the measured motor voltage 425 and the filtered current output 435 to obtain the measured power 415.

[0049] In at least one example embodiment, a power setpoint 405 and a measured power 415 are provided to a summing module 445. The summing module 445 is configured to obtain a power difference 450 between the power setpoint 405 and the measured power 415. A control signal can be generated based on the power difference 450. For example, if there is no difference between the power setpoint 405 and the measured power 415, such as when the power difference 450 is approximately 0, the current operation of the blower 100 can be maintained. However, if there is a difference between the power setpoint 405 and the measured power 415, the operation of the blower 100 can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the power output of the motor 114, as will be described below.

[0050] In at least one example embodiment, a power difference 450 is applied to an amplifier 455 and / or an integrator 460. The amplifier 455 is configured to apply gain to the power difference 450 to obtain a first signal 465. The power difference is integrated by the integrator 460 to obtain a second signal 470. The first signal 465 and the second signal 470 are combined at 475 to obtain a control signal 480.

[0051] In at least one example embodiment, control signal 480 is provided to output limiter 485 and / or slope limiter 490. Output limiter 485 is configured to control the voltage of control signal 480. For example, output limiter 485 prevents the voltage value of control signal 480 from exceeding a threshold. Additionally or alternatively, slope limiter 490 controls the rate of change of voltage of control signal 480. For example, slope limiter 490 may be similar to or analogous to slope limiter 410.

[0052] Furthermore, control signal 480 is output to motor 114 at 495. Control signal 480 can instruct motor 114 to regulate the power output of blower 100 by adjusting the voltage output of motor 114. For example, control signal 480 can increase or decrease the voltage supplied to motor 114 based on the output of output limiter 485 and / or slope limiter 490 to achieve power setpoint 405. In some example embodiments, control signal 480 includes a duty cycle command 498 output to motor 114. In other example embodiments, the power output of motor 114 can be regulated by changing the speed of fan 112 of motor 114. For example, if the measured power 415 is less than power setpoint 405, control signal 480 can increase the speed of fan 112, or if the measured power 415 is greater than power setpoint 405, control signal 480 can decrease the speed of fan 112. The closed-loop power control module 400 of the controller 200 continuously compares the power setpoint 405 and the measured power 415 to maintain a constant power output from the motor 114. In addition, although the power output from the motor 114 can remain constant, the speed of the fan 112 can fluctuate (increase or decrease) to maintain a constant power output.

[0053] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating two operating modes of a blower according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0054] In at least one example embodiment, the desired power range 500 includes an upper threshold 505 and a lower threshold 510. The upper threshold 505 is a function of the maximum revolutions per minute (RPM) of the fan 112 and the power output of the motor 114. The lower threshold 510 is a function of the minimum RPM of the fan 112 and the power output of the motor 114. If the power output of the motor 114 is within the desired power range 500 defined by the upper threshold 505 and the lower threshold 510, the output of the blower 100 (e.g., cubic feet per minute of air exiting the blower duct 109) remains constant. Furthermore, when the power output is within the desired power range 500, the controller 200 can operate the blower 100 in a first operating mode. The first operation may include a closed loop on the rotational speed of the fan 112 of the motor 114.

[0055] In at least one example embodiment, if the power output of motor 114 is outside the desired power range 500, for example when the power output drops below a lower threshold 510, controller 200 can adjust the speed setpoint of motor 114. For example, controller 200 can increase or decrease the speed of fan 112 of motor 114. Adjusting the speed of fan 112 of motor 114 can increase the power output of motor 114, bringing the power output within the desired speed range 500. After adjusting the speed of fan 112 of motor 114, controller 200 can continue to operate in a first operating mode, as will be referred to below. Figure 7 As discussed.

[0056] In at least one example embodiment, a low flow condition can be detected if the power output of motor 114 drops below a lower threshold 510. A low flow condition may occur when a nozzle accessory (e.g., nozzle accessory 126) is connected to blower 100. When a low flow condition is detected, for example when the power output of motor 114 drops below the lower threshold 510, controller 200 can operate the motor in a second operating mode, as will be referred to below. Figure 6 As discussed, the second operating mode can be a closed loop on the power output of motor 114.

[0057] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating a method of operating a blower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0058] In at least one example embodiment, method 600 of operating a blower (e.g., blower 100) includes setting a power setpoint at 605, measuring power output at 610, and comparing the power output with the power setpoint at 615. Method 600 may further include determining at 620 whether the power output is less than a threshold. If the power output is less than the threshold at 620, method 600 may include controlling the power output at 625. If the power output is not less than the threshold at 620, method 600 may include controlling the fan speed of the motor at 630. One or more portions of method 600 may be implemented by one or more computing devices (e.g., controller 200).

[0059] In at least one example embodiment, setting the power setpoint at 605 includes setting the desired power output of the motor 114. For example, power setpoint 405 can be set by an operator using trigger 118, as described above. Figure 2 Furthermore, slope limiting can be applied by slope limiter 410, as described above. Figure 4 As shown and described.

[0060] In at least one example embodiment, measuring the power output at 610 includes receiving a measured power 415 output by the motor 114. Receiving the measured power 415 may include receiving a measured motor current 420, receiving a measured motor voltage 425 from the motor 114, applying a filter 430 to the measured motor current 420 to obtain a filtered current output 435, and multiplying the measured motor voltage 425 by the filtered current output 435.

[0061] In at least one example embodiment, comparing the power output with the power setpoint at 615 includes calculating the power difference 450 between the power setpoint 405 and the measured power 415 at 445.

[0062] In at least one example embodiment, the blower 100 includes two operating modes, as shown in the reference. Figure 5 As described above. For example, blower 100 may be configured to operate in a first operating mode if the measured power 415 is within a desired power range 500, and in a second operating mode if the measured power 415 is outside the desired power range 500 (e.g., below a lower threshold 510). The first operating mode may include controlling the speed of fan 112 at 630, as will be referred to below. Figure 7 As stated above.

[0063] In at least one example embodiment, the second operating mode includes adjusting the power output of the motor 114, as per [reference to...]. Figure 4For example, if the measured power 415 is below a lower threshold 510, a gain is applied to the power difference 450 at amplifier 455 to obtain a first signal 465. Additionally or alternatively, integrator 460 integrates the power difference 450 to obtain a second signal 470. The first signal 465 and the second signal 470 are combined at 475 to obtain a control signal 480. This control signal 480 is then used to regulate the power output of motor 114, as described above. Figure 4 As explained.

[0064] In at least one example embodiment, after controlling the power output at 625 or controlling the speed of fan 112 at 630, method 600 returns to measuring the power output at 610. Therefore, method 600 can be executed by controller 200 to continuously control the operation of blower 100 until the operation of blower 100 is stopped by an operator.

[0065] Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating a method of operating a blower according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0066] In at least one example embodiment, the first operating mode includes operating the blower 100 according to method 700. Method 700 includes receiving a speed setpoint at 707, measuring a speed output at 710, determining at 715 whether the measured speed output is the same as the speed setpoint, and adjusting the fan speed at 720 if the measured speed output at 715 is different from the speed setpoint. One or more portions of method 700 may be implemented by one or more computing devices (e.g., controller 200).

[0067] In at least one example embodiment, receiving the speed setpoint at 705 includes receiving the desired speed set by the operator. For example, the operator can use trigger 118 to set and adjust the speed setpoint.

[0068] In at least one example embodiment, measuring the speed output at 710 includes measuring the rotational speed of the fan 112 of the motor. For example, a sensor may be disposed within the blower housing 108 for measuring the rotational speed of the fan 112.

[0069] In at least one example embodiment, determining whether the speed output is the same as the speed setpoint 715 includes determining whether there is a difference between the measured speed output and the speed setpoint. If there is no difference, for example, when the measured speed output is the same as the speed setpoint, method 700 can return to measuring the speed output at 710. For example, the rotational speed of fan 112 is continuously monitored. If a difference is found between the measured speed output and the speed setpoint, the fan speed can be adjusted at step 720.

[0070] In at least one example embodiment, adjusting the fan speed at step 720 includes sending a control signal from the controller 200 to the motor. If the measured speed output is less than the speed setpoint, the control signal may instruct the motor 114 to increase the speed of the fan 112, or if the measured speed output is greater than the speed setpoint, the control signal may instruct the motor 114 to decrease the speed of the fan 112.

[0071] In at least one example embodiment, method 700 adjusts the fan speed at 720 and then returns to 710 to measure the speed output. In this way, controller 200 continuously monitors the rotational speed of fan 112 to ensure that the rotational speed of fan 112 is maintained at the speed setpoint.

[0072] Figure 8 A block diagram of an example computing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0073] In at least one example embodiment, computing system 800 may include one or more computing devices 802. For example, the one or more computing devices 802 may include at least one of controllers 200. Each of the one or more computing devices 802 may include one or more processors 804 and one or more storage devices 806. The one or more processors 804 may include any suitable processing device, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, integrated circuit, logic device, or other suitable processing device. The one or more storage devices 806 may include one or more computer-readable media, including but not limited to non-transitory computer-readable media, RAM, ROM, hard disk drives, flash drives, or other storage devices.

[0074] The one or more memory devices 806 may store information accessible to one or more processors 804, including computer-readable instructions 808 executable by one or more processors 804. Instructions 808 may be any set of instructions that, when executed by one or more processors 804, cause one or more processors 804 to perform operations. Instructions 808 may be software written in any suitable programming language or may be implemented in hardware. In some embodiments, instructions 808 may be executed by one or more processors 804 to cause the one or more processors 804 to perform operations, such as operations for generating execution tools and other scans, to determine tracking markers according to processing stages of processing cycles utilizing multiple cutting tools, generate status data and correlation data related to the cutting tools, detect missing cutting tools, and initiate control actions related to missing control elements as described above, and / or any other operation or function of the one or more computing devices 802.

[0075] The memory device(s) 806 may also store data 810 accessible to the one or more processors 804. For example, data 810 may include status data, associated data, processing cycle and / or stage data, and user interface data, as described herein. According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, data 810 may include one or more tables, functions, algorithms, models, equations, etc.

[0076] The one or more computing devices 802 may also include a communication interface 812 for communicating with, for example, other components of the system. The communication interface 812 may include any suitable components for interfacing with one or more networks, including, for example, a transmitter, receiver, port, controller, antenna, or other suitable components.

[0077] The techniques discussed herein relate to computer-based systems, actions taken by computer-based systems, and information sent to or from computer-based systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for a wide variety of possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functions between and among components. For example, the processes discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memory, instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel.

[0078] Further aspects of this utility model are provided by one or more of the following embodiments:

[0079] A blower includes a blower housing, a motor for driving a fan disposed within the blower housing, and a controller disposed within the blower housing and electrically connected to the motor for controlling the power output of the motor. The controller is configured to perform a plurality of operations. These operations include receiving a power setpoint, receiving measured power, comparing the power setpoint and the measured power to obtain a power difference, generating a control signal based on the power difference, and adjusting the power output of the motor based on the control signal.

[0080] The blower of any one or more embodiments, wherein the plurality of operations further includes applying a slope limit to the received power setpoint.

[0081] In any one or more embodiments of the blower, receiving the measured power includes receiving a current output from a motor, applying a filter to the current output to obtain a filtered current output, receiving a voltage output from the motor, and multiplying the filtered current output by the output voltage of the motor to obtain the measured power.

[0082] The blower of any one or more embodiments, wherein the filter includes a low-pass filter.

[0083] The blower of any one or more embodiments, wherein the filter includes an exponential moving average filter.

[0084] A blower according to any one or more embodiments, wherein generating a control signal includes applying a gain to a power difference to obtain a first signal, integrating the power difference to obtain a second signal, and combining the first signal and the second signal to obtain a control signal.

[0085] In any one or more embodiments of the blower, generating the control signal further includes controlling the voltage of the control signal through an output limiter; and controlling the rate of change of the voltage of the control signal through a slope limiter.

[0086] In any one or more embodiments of the blower, adjusting the power output of the motor includes adjusting the voltage output of the motor based on a control signal.

[0087] In any one or more embodiments of the blower, adjusting the power output of the motor includes adjusting the fan speed.

[0088] In any one or more embodiments of the blower, adjusting the fan speed includes: increasing the fan speed if the measured power is less than the power setpoint; and decreasing the fan speed if the measured power is greater than the power setpoint.

[0089] A blower according to any one or more embodiments, wherein the controller includes a proportional-integral controller.

[0090] A blower according to any one or more embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to maintain a constant power output.

[0091] A blower according to any one or more embodiments, wherein the plurality of operations are a first plurality of operations, and the controller is further configured to compare a measured power with a desired power range, and to operate in a first mode if the measured power is within the desired power range. The first mode includes a second plurality of operations. The second plurality of operations includes receiving a speed setpoint of the motor's fan, receiving a measured speed of the motor's fan, comparing the speed setpoint with the measured speed to obtain a speed difference, and adjusting the speed of the motor's fan based on the obtained speed difference. The controller is further configured to operate in a second mode if the measured power is outside the desired power range. The second mode includes the first plurality of operations.

[0092] A method for controlling a motor of a blower includes receiving a power setpoint, receiving a measured power, comparing the power setpoint and the measured power to obtain a power difference, generating a control signal based on the power difference, and adjusting the power output of the motor based on the control signal.

[0093] The method of any one or more embodiments further includes applying a slope limit to the received power setpoint.

[0094] The method of any one or more embodiments, wherein receiving the measured power includes receiving a current output from a motor, applying a filter to the current output to obtain a filtered current output, receiving a voltage output from the motor, and multiplying the filtered current output by the voltage output from the motor to obtain the measured power.

[0095] The method of any one or more embodiments further includes applying a gain to the power difference to obtain a first signal, integrating the power difference to obtain a second signal, and combining the first signal and the second signal to obtain a control signal.

[0096] The method of any one or more embodiments, wherein generating the control signal further includes controlling the voltage of the control signal by an output limiter; and controlling the rate of change of the voltage of the control signal by a slope limiter.

[0097] The method of any one or more embodiments, wherein adjusting the power output of the motor includes adjusting the voltage output of the motor based on a control signal.

[0098] The method of any one or more embodiments further includes comparing the measured power with a desired power range; if the measured power is within the desired power range, operating in a first mode; and if the measured power is outside the desired power range, operating in a second mode. The first mode includes receiving a fan speed setpoint of the motor, receiving a measured fan speed of the motor, comparing the speed setpoint with the measured speed to obtain a speed difference, and adjusting the fan speed of the motor based on the obtained speed difference. The second mode includes receiving a power setpoint, receiving the measured power, comparing the power setpoint and the measured power, generating a control signal, and adjusting the power output.

[0099] This written description uses examples to disclose the present invention, including the best mode, and to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the present invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the wording of the claims, or include equivalent structural elements that do not substantially differ from the wording of the claims.

Claims

1. A blower, characterized in that, The blower includes: Blower housing; An electric motor for driving a fan disposed within the blower housing; and A controller, disposed within the blower housing and electrically connected to the motor for controlling the power output of the motor, is configured to perform a plurality of operations, the plurality of operations including: Receive power setpoint Received measured power, The power setpoint and the measured power are compared to obtain the power difference. A control signal is generated based on the power difference, and The power output of the motor is adjusted based on the control signal.

2. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple operations also include applying a slope limit to the received power setpoint.

3. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, Receiving the measured power includes: Receive current output from the motor; A filter is applied to the current output to obtain a filtered current output; Receive voltage output from the motor; and The filtered current output is multiplied by the voltage output of the motor to obtain the measured power.

4. The blower according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filter includes a low-pass filter.

5. The blower according to claim 3, characterized in that, The filter includes an exponential moving average filter.

6. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, Generating the control signal includes: A gain is applied to the power difference to obtain a first signal; Integrating the power difference to obtain a second signal; and The first signal is combined with the second signal to obtain the control signal.

7. The blower according to claim 6, characterized in that, Generating the control signal further includes: The voltage of the control signal is controlled by an output limiter; and The rate of change of the voltage of the control signal is controlled by a slope limiter.

8. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, Adjusting the power output of the motor includes adjusting the voltage output of the motor based on the control signal.

9. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, Adjusting the power output of the motor includes adjusting the speed of the fan.

10. The blower according to claim 9, characterized in that, Adjusting the fan speed includes: If the measured power is less than the power setpoint, then increase the fan speed; and If the measured power is greater than the power setpoint, then the fan speed is reduced.

11. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller includes a proportional-integral controller.

12. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller is configured to maintain a constant power output.

13. The blower according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of operations are a first plurality of operations; and The controller is also configured to: The measured power is compared with the expected power range, and If the measured power is within the desired power range, then the system operates in a first mode, which includes a second plurality of operations, the second plurality of operations including: Receive the fan speed setpoint of the motor. Receive the measured rotational speed of the fan of the motor. The speed setpoint is compared with the measured speed to obtain the speed difference, and The fan speed of the motor is adjusted based on the obtained speed difference; and If the measured power is outside the desired power range, then the system operates in a second mode, which includes the first plurality of operations.

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