Configurable Synchronous Generator for Seamless Grid-to-Backup Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile electric power systems for military equipment face challenges in adapting to varying electrical grid voltages and frequencies across different countries, and require lightweight components to maintain mobility, especially when transitioning between grid and backup power sources.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode synchronous electrical power generation system with a stator and rotor having wye-configured stator and rotor phase windings, capable of operating in grid-power and power-generation modes, using configuration switches and controllers to adjust magnetic fields and power sources seamlessly, eliminating the need for traditional transformers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional large power transformers are used for converting AC grid power to DC, then power conversion function is achieved, but system weight and size increase, limiting mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the traditional large power transformer from the mobile electric power system by using a synchronous generator with configurable rotor winding connections. The generator directly provides both AC and DC power through its stator and rotor windings, removing the need for separate transformer components while maintaining power conversion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronous generator is designed with multi-functional capability to perform both AC power generation and DC power generation through configurable rotor winding connections. The same generator unit can operate in different modes (AC mode with wye-connected rotor windings, DC mode with series-connected rotor windings), eliminating the need for separate AC and DC power conversion equipment.
2Reliability
If the system transitions between grid and backup power sources, then power supply continuity is maintained, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronous generator employs dynamic reconfiguration of rotor winding connections through configuration switches that can change the generator's operating mode between AC and DC power generation. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to seamlessly transition between different power sources and modes of operation without requiring entirely separate systems for each mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the synchronous generator operates in multiple modes (AC and DC power generation), then adaptability to different power requirements is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the AC and DC power generation functionalities into a single synchronous generator unit by utilizing the same stator and rotor windings for both modes. The rotor windings can be reconfigured through switches to provide either AC output (wye connection) or DC output (series connection), combining multiple power generation modes in one integrated device rather than requiring separate generators for each mode.
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
Enables efficient and compact frequency and voltage transformation, maintaining power supply during transitions and accommodating different load requirements, while reducing system weight and size for enhanced mobility.
Implementation Method 1
the first, second, and third rotor phase excitation windings are wye-configured to create a revolving magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
the first second and third rotor phase excitation windings are in series-parallel configuration, thereby creating a stationary magnetic rotor field
Implementation Method 3
rotating the straight-configured rotor within wye-configured stator phase windings, thereby generating electrical power
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and methods related to a multi-mode operation of a synchronous electrical generator. The synchronous generator is configurable in at least two modes: a grid-power mode and a power-generation mode. In the power-generation mode, electrical power is generated in response to power produced by a prime mover. In the grid-power mode, the rotor is in standstill mode, and the configurable rotor winding is configured to generate a plurality of AC magnetic fields. The system provides for seamless transfer of power between grid-power to power generation using an energy storage unit and associated power conditioning apparatus.