Capacitorless DC Machine Using Center-Tapped Commutation Cells

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The use of large energy storage capacitors in DC electrical machines limits operational reliability and design flexibility, especially in high power applications, due to increased failure rates at high temperatures and reduced space for design, affecting efficiency and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multiple commutation cells connected in series, which operate as the stator of the DC electrical machine, eliminating or reducing the need for energy storage capacitors by using anti-parallel switching units and center-tapped or separate coils to control electrical power flow based on induced voltages, allowing the machine to operate in both motor and generator modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If large energy storage capacitors are used in DC electrical machines, then the machine can operate in high power applications, but operational reliability decreases and design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh power application capabilityVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the energy storage capacitor from the DC electrical machine system. By using a bridge circuit with switching devices controlled by a controller, the system achieves capacitorless operation while maintaining high power capability. This removal of the capacitor directly improves reliability by eliminating a component known to have high failure rates at elevated temperatures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Power

If large energy storage capacitors are used in DC electrical machines, then the machine can handle high power applications, but design flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh power application capabilityVSAvoiddesign flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By extracting the capacitor from the system and replacing it with a bridge circuit configuration, the patent enables greater design flexibility. The controller can dynamically adjust switching device operation to accommodate various operating conditions and application requirements, making the machine more adaptable without being constrained by capacitor size and placement limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Power

If large energy storage capacitors are used in DC electrical machines, then high power operation is enabled, but space for design is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh power operation capabilityVSAvoidspace for design
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the large energy storage capacitor from the machine structure, thereby freeing up significant space within the stationary object. The bridge circuit and switching devices occupy considerably less space than traditional large capacitors, allowing for more compact designs and better utilization of available space in high power applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Power

If traditional DC electrical machines use large energy storage capacitors, then high power conversion is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh power conversion capabilityVSAvoidoperational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the passive energy storage capacitor system with an active electronic control system using switching devices and a controller. This substitution enables more efficient power conversion by dynamically controlling current flow through the bridge circuit, reducing energy losses and improving overall operational efficiency while maintaining high power conversion capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach enhances operational efficiency and design flexibility by eliminating capacitors, improving reliability and space utilization, particularly in high voltage and high speed applications, while simplifying construction and eliminating the need for mechanical commutators.

Implementation Method 1

a rotor configured to generate a rotor magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the electrical power may produce a magnetic field that causes actuation of a rotor in the electrical machine, thereby converting electrical energy into mechanical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3247035B1DC electrical machine with center-tap windings systems and methods
Publication Date: 2021.01.13 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP3247035B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3247035B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3247035B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6B

AI summary

A direct current electrical machine, which includes a rotor that generates a rotor magnetic field, a first commutation cell (36) that includes a winding component (44), a first switching device (42A), and a second switching device (42B). The first winding component includes a first portion electrically coupled between a first terminal and a second terminal of the first winding component (44) and a second portion electrically coupled between a third terminal and the second terminal of the first winding component (44). The first switching device (42A) is electrically coupled to the first terminal and is closed when a first voltage induced across the first portion by rotation of the rotor magnetic field is positive; and the second switching device (42B) is electrically coupled to the third terminal and is closed when a second voltage induced across the second portion by the rotation of the rotor magnetic field is negative.