Electric Air Compressor Power Regulator for Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile power systems, such as air compressor systems driven by internal combustion engines, face challenges with load management, particularly when additional capacity is needed or when power loads vary significantly, leading to potential system damage or shutdown.
Innovation Solution
An electric air compressor system comprising an air compressor driven by an electric motor, powered by an electric power storage device and an electric generator, with a power regulator that controls the system's operation based on parameters like on/off state, temperature, current output, and speed to manage varying loads and prevent system failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If internal combustion engines are used to power mobile air compressor systems, then the systems can provide sufficient power, but they generate noise, heat, noxious fumes, and require frequent maintenance with filters and lubricants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the internal combustion engine (mechanical system) with an electric motor driven by a battery pack and generator system. This substitution eliminates the harmful outputs of combustion engines (noise, heat, noxious fumes) while maintaining the ability to provide sufficient power for air compression and auxiliary loads through electrical power conversion.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If electric power systems are used to eliminate harmful factors, then noise, heat, and fumes are reduced, but load management becomes problematic when multiple devices draw more power than the source can provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a control system that continuously monitors the power output requirements of multiple devices and adjusts the generator's power output accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the generator responds dynamically to varying load demands, preventing system damage or shutdown while maintaining reliable operation under changing power conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic power management system where the generator and battery pack work in coordination to adapt to changing power demands. The system can transition between different power sources and operating modes based on real-time load conditions, ensuring stable and reliable operation even when multiple devices are connected with varying power requirements.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mobile power systems are used, then they can operate independently, but they are heavy and require significant maintenance with multiple filters and lubricants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the heavy internal combustion engine with an electric power system consisting of a battery pack and generator. This substitution significantly reduces system weight while maintaining independent operation capability, as the electric components are lighter and require no combustion-related maintenance infrastructure.
4Productivity
If air compressor capacity is increased to meet higher demand, then more air can be provided, but the system becomes more complex and difficult to expand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic power system where the generator and battery pack can be scaled independently of the air compressor capacity. This allows the system to be expanded by adding or upgrading individual components (such as increasing battery capacity or generator output) without requiring complete system redesign, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining productivity flexibility.
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
The system provides a scalable and flexible solution for mobile power applications, allowing easy expansion of air capacity and reducing maintenance needs, while preventing system failures due to varying loads, and enhancing operator safety and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
An electric generator provides electric power to the electric power storage device and/or to the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor configured to drive the air compressor. An electric power storage device provides electric power to the electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
An electric air compressor system includes an air compressor and an electric motor configured for driving the air compressor. An electric power storage device provides electric power to the electric motor. An electric generator provides electric power to the electric power storage device and/or to the electric motor. A power regulator including a processor controls operation of the electric generator. The power regulator controls operation of the electric generator based on at least one of an on/off operational state of the electric generator, the temperature of the electric generator, the temperature of the electric power storage device, the electrical current output of the electric generator, and the speed of the electric generator.