Alternator Voltage Regulator Load Response

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Solution Overview

Problem

Generating sets face performance degradation during load increases, particularly in turbocharged engines, due to delayed engine speed recovery and inadequate turbocharger startup, resulting in voltage drops and torque imbalances.

Innovation Solution

A method for regulating alternator output voltage by detecting load changes using current and voltage sensors, allowing for anticipatory reduction in torque demand through controlled current modification in the pole wheel, thereby limiting speed drops and improving response time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the engine speed regulator responds only after speed drop occurs, then the control system remains simple, but the engine speed recovery is delayed and turbocharger startup is inadequate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine speed recoveryVSAvoidspeed recovery time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulator detects load increase by monitoring voltage drop and proactively modifies pole wheel current before the engine speed drops significantly. This preliminary action prevents the speed drop from becoming severe, ensuring the turbochargers can start properly and the engine recovers speed within acceptable time limits according to ISO 8528 criteria.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage regulator serves as an intermediary between the load and the engine speed control system. Instead of the speed regulator directly controlling fuel injection based on speed feedback, the voltage regulator uses voltage drop as an intermediate signal to detect load changes and modify pole wheel current, thereby indirectly supporting engine speed recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the pole wheel current is maintained at nominal level during load increase, then the voltage remains stable, but the torque demand on the engine increases excessively causing severe speed drop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoidengine speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The invention dynamically changes the pole wheel current parameter in response to detected load increases. When voltage drop indicates a load increase, the regulator reduces the pole wheel current from its nominal level, which directly reduces the magnetic field strength and consequently the torque demand on the engine, allowing speed to be maintained or recovered more effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Power

If the engine torque demand increases to meet sudden load, then the power output increases, but the speed drops below the point where turbochargers can operate correctly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengine power outputVSAvoidturbocharger operation
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage regulator applies preliminary anti-action by reducing pole wheel current before the engine speed drops to the critical threshold. This counteracts the tendency for severe speed drop by reducing torque demand in advance, ensuring that the engine speed remains above the minimum required for proper turbocharger operation even when sudden load increases are applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Enhances generating set performance by enabling quicker recovery from load increases, maintaining voltage stability, and facilitating turbocharger startup, thus adhering to ISO 8528 criteria for speed and voltage retention.

Implementation Method 1

The alternator is equipped with a voltage regulator which quickly corrects this voltage drop by increasing the current in the pole wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The alternator is equipped with a voltage regulator which quickly corrects this voltage drop by increasing the current in the pole wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetism: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP2751923B1Method for regulating a generator set
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 MOTEURS LEROY SOMER
  • EP2751923B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2751923B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2751923B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for regulating the output voltage of the alternator (3) of a generator set (1), said generator set comprising a heat engine (2) driving the alternator, the alternator (3) comprising a rotor (19) having a pole wheel. Said method comprises the following step: detection of an increase in the power at the outlet of the alternator (3), and in the event of a detected increase, the value of the current in the polar wheel is modified in such a way as to temporarily bring the output voltage of the alternator (3) to a value lower than the value before the detection of the increase in power, with the aim of decreasing the level of torque required from the heat engine.