Asynchronous Starter-Generator for Self-Powered HV Fan Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

High Voltage (HV) generator sets with mechanically driven radiator fans consume more power and have lower reliability compared to those with multiple electrical driven fans. Additionally, HV generator sets require an external low voltage (LV) power supply or step down transformer, increasing complexity and space requirements.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates an asynchronous induced low voltage electrical machine coupled to an engine, with an excitation capacitor and power supply selectively coupled by switch devices. This configuration allows the electrical machine to produce electricity or act as a starter motor, and includes an auxiliary generator to power electrically driven radiator and exhaust fans, eliminating the need for external power supplies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If mechanically driven radiator fans are used in HV generator sets, then the system can provide cooling function, but power consumption increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanically driven radiator fans with electrically driven fans. The electrical fans are powered by the HV generator set itself through a transformer and power conversion system, eliminating the need for mechanical drive mechanisms and reducing power consumption while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The HV generator set provides its own low voltage power for electrical fans through an integrated transformer and power conversion system. The system generates its own excitation power internally, eliminating dependency on external power sources and achieving self-sufficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If a step down transformer is added to provide LV power for electrical fans, then electrical fans can be powered, but system complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical fan operationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the transformer and power conversion system directly into the generator set assembly. The transformer is positioned within the generator set housing and shares space with other components, merging multiple functions into a single integrated unit rather than adding separate external equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical machine serves multiple functions: it acts as a starter motor during engine starting and as a generator during normal operation to provide LV power for electrical fans and other accessories. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power supply systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by stationary object

If external power supply or step down transformer is used, then LV power can be provided for fans, but footprint and space occupation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLV power supplyVSAvoidfootprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by stationary objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer and power conversion system are nested within the generator set housing, utilizing the existing space structure. The electrical machine is coupled directly to the engine output shaft, and all components are arranged within the same enclosed space, eliminating the need for additional external equipment and reducing overall footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution reduces power consumption, enhances reliability by eliminating the need for mechanical fans, and simplifies the system by integrating power generation and distribution within the generator set, thereby reducing complexity and space requirements.

Implementation Method 1

an asynchronous induced low voltage electrical machine coupled to an engine... produce electricity when the capacitor switch device is closed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an excitation capacitor selectively coupled to the electrical machine by a capacitor switch device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12218568B2System for a generator set

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 CUMMINS POWER GENERATION INC

AI summary

Systems and apparatuses include an asynchronous electrical machine coupled to an engine, a power supply selectively coupled to the electrical machine by a power supply switch device, and an electrical output coupled to the electrical machine by an output switch device. The electrical machine is structured to produce electricity when the power supply switch device is open, the output switch device is closed, and the electrical machine is mechanically driven by the engine, or perform as a starter motor to start the engine when the power supply switch device is closed, the output switch device is open, and the electrical machine mechanically drives the engine.