Compounded Doubly Fed Machines for Decoupled Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing series hybrid power generation systems face inefficiencies due to the direct dependency of motor speed on generator speed, leading to oversized and heavy power electronics, and limited flexibility in operating gas turbines at optimal speeds for independent fan control.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a series hybrid architecture using compounded doubly fed induction machines, where a doubly fed induction generator and motor allow for decoupled motor and generator speeds, utilizing power electronics to process only a fraction of total power, and providing excitation signals to control rotational speeds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If direct coupling between generator and motor is used, then system simplicity is improved, but motor speed control flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidmotor speed control flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces power electronics as an intermediary component between the generator and motor. This mediator enables independent speed control of the motor from the generator by converting electrical power and controlling the motor drive, thereby resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and motor speed control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If full power electronics processing is used, then independent speed control is improved, but power electronics size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent speed controlVSAvoidpower electronics weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by processing only a fraction of the total power through power electronics. The system uses the generator to produce power at its optimal speed, and the power electronics process only the necessary portion to control the motor at the required speed, rather than processing the entire power output. This reduces power electronics size and weight while maintaining independent speed control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If generator speed is optimized, then power generation efficiency is improved, but motor operating speed flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation efficiencyVSAvoidmotor operating speed flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The power electronics act as an intermediary that decouples the generator and motor speeds. The generator can operate at its optimal speed for maximum efficiency, while the power electronics convert and control the power to drive the motor at any required speed, thus resolving the contradiction between power generation efficiency and motor speed flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system processes only a fraction of the total power through power electronics, allowing the generator to operate efficiently at optimized speed while providing flexible motor speed control through partial power conversion and regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

This approach reduces the size and weight of power electronics, enables independent fan speed control, and optimizes engine operation, achieving efficient power management with minimal power electronics.

Implementation Method 1

a first machine configured to generate power, wherein the first machine is mechanically coupled to the power source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a second machine configured to control equipment, wherein the first machine is electrically coupled to the second machine

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11312222B2Series hybrid architectures using compounded doubly fed machines

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

Provided are embodiments of a system including a series hybrid architecture using compounded doubly fed induction machines. Embodiments include a controller configured to control the operation of the system, and a power source configured to convert a first form of energy to a second form of energy. Embodiments also include a first machine configured to generate power, wherein the first machine is mechanically coupled to the power source, and a second machine configured to control equipment, wherein the first machine is electrically coupled to the second machine. Embodiments further include methods for operating the series hybrid architecture using the compounding doubly fed induction machines.