Electrically Commutated Machine Pre-Commutation Angle Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically commutated machines face inefficiencies in converting electrical energy to mechanical energy and vice versa, particularly due to suboptimal pre-commutation angles that do not maximize efficiency across varying operating states and conditions.

Innovation Solution

The method involves setting the pre-commutation angle as a function of efficiency, using a control unit to adjust the angle based on current operating states, and employing pulse width modulation to manage current flow effectively, ensuring alignment of the magnetic field with the rotor while maintaining phase-lock and minimizing switching losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fixed pre-commutation angle is used, then the control is simple, but the efficiency is suboptimal across varying operating states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol complexityVSAvoidconversion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-commutation angle is changed from a fixed value to a dynamically adjustable parameter that varies with operating conditions (rotational speed, torque, temperature). The control unit continuously adapts the angle to maximize efficiency at each operating point, resolving the contradiction between simple control and optimal efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of pre-commutation angle from constant to variable based on operating state. By adjusting this critical parameter according to rotational speed, torque requirements, and temperature conditions, the system achieves optimal efficiency across different operating regimes while maintaining manageable control complexity through structured adjustment rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If the pre-commutation angle is adjusted to maximize efficiency, then energy conversion is optimized, but the control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidcontrol unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring operating parameters (rotational speed, torque, temperature) and adjusting the pre-commutation angle accordingly. This closed-loop control optimizes efficiency while managing complexity through systematic feedback-based adjustment rather than trial-and-error approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary determination of optimal pre-commutation angles for different operating states, storing these in lookup tables or characteristic curves. During operation, the control unit simply retrieves the appropriate angle based on current conditions, reducing real-time computational complexity while maintaining efficiency optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If switching frequency is increased to improve response, then dynamic performance improves, but switching losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresponse speedVSAvoidswitching loss
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The pre-commutation angle adjustment optimizes the timing of switching events, allowing the system to achieve good dynamic response without excessive switching frequency. By precisely controlling when commutation occurs relative to rotor position, the system improves response while minimizing unnecessary switching losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for efficient operation of electrically commutated machines with adjustable efficiency and a linear relationship between mechanical and electrical power, reducing power losses and maintaining high electromagnetic compatibility.

Implementation Method 1

a phase shift of a voltage applied to a stator of the electrically commutated machine relative to a voltage induced by a rotor of the electrically commutated machine is set as the precommutation angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the magnetic field is generated in at least one process step, particularly by means of the stator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

the rotor is driven to a motion, particularly a rotational motion, in at least one process step, in particular by coupling the magnetic field to the magnetic moment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP3598631B1Method for operating an electrically commutated machine and electrically commutated machine
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP3598631B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3598631B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3598631B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for operating an electrically commutated machine. It is proposed that in at least one method step, in particular in at least one method step of overmodulation operation (14) of the electrically commutated machine, a pre-commutation angle (16) of the electrically commutated machine is set as a function of an efficiency of the electrically commutated machine.