AC Generator Capacitive Resonance Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing generator systems face inefficiencies in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, leading to high fuel consumption and emissions, as they do not effectively utilize capacitive elements to resonate at optimal frequencies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating series-connected capacitive elements between the output winding of an AC generator and the primary winding of a transformer, forming an LC circuit that resonates at a constant operating frequency, thereby increasing the quality factor and efficiency of the system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional generator systems operate without series-connected capacitive elements, then the system structure remains simple, but the conversion efficiency of mechanical energy to electrical energy is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the capacitive element with the existing generator and transformer components to form an integrated LC resonant circuit system. The capacitive element is connected in series between the generator output and transformer input, merging multiple functions (power generation, resonance enhancement, and voltage transformation) into a unified system that improves conversion efficiency without requiring separate auxiliary systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the principle of resonance by tuning the capacitive element to create an LC circuit that resonates at the operating frequency of the generator. This resonant condition amplifies the electrical output and improves the conversion efficiency of mechanical energy to electrical energy, similar to how mechanical resonance amplifies vibrations at specific frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Productivity

If series-connected capacitive elements are added to form an LC resonant circuit, then power generation efficiency increases, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The series-connected capacitive element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the LC resonant circuit for efficiency enhancement, provides voltage regulation, and enables improved power factor. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve higher productivity without proportionally increasing complexity, as a single component addresses multiple performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the generator operates at higher efficiency with resonant LC circuit, then fuel consumption decreases, but the system requires precise frequency matching

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefuel consumptionVSAvoidfrequency matching precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a control system that monitors the operating frequency of the generator and adjusts the capacitive element or circuit configuration to maintain optimal resonant conditions. This feedback mechanism ensures that the LC circuit remains tuned to the generator's operating frequency, automatically compensating for frequency variations and eliminating the need for manual precision tuning while reducing fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration enhances the current output and power generation efficiency, reducing mechanical energy consumption and emissions by allowing the system to operate at higher efficiency, producing more electrical energy with less mechanical input.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating series-connected capacitive elements between the output winding of an AC generator and the primary winding of a transformer, forming an LC circuit that resonates at a constant operating frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

Generator systems for generating and conditioning electrical power using electrical AC (alternating current) generators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8847559B1Generator system and method of operation
Publication Date: 2014.09.30 HORNE ROBERT RYAN JAMESON
  • US8847559B1 patent drawing
  • US8847559B1 patent drawing
  • US8847559B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A generator system includes an AC generator having one or more phases, a transformer having the same number of phases as the generator, and for each phase of the AC generator, a capacitive element having a first terminal electrically connected to an output winding of the AC generator and a second terminal electrically connected to a primary winding of a respective phase of the transformer. A method of operating a generator system includes conveying current between an output winding of each phase of an AC generator and a primary winding of a respective phase of a transformer via a respective series-connected capacitive element having a first terminal electrically connected to the output winding and a second terminal electrically connected to the primary winding.