Conveyance Regenerative Drive With Switchable Energy Harvesting Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyance systems with regenerative drives face inefficiencies in energy harvesting and increased costs due to the need for separate circuitry for energy harvesting devices, which are not integrated with the regenerative drive system.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance system with a regenerative drive that includes a DC bus, a converter with switching devices, and a machine control circuit, where an energy harvesting device is switchably connected to the machine control circuit, allowing the use of existing circuitry for energy harvesting, reducing the need for additional components and improving energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuitry is provided for energy harvesting devices, then energy harvesting capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy harvesting device with the regenerative drive system by connecting the harvesting device to the DC bus of the regenerative drive. This merging eliminates the need for separate circuitry, as both functions share common circuit elements including the DC bus, converter, and control circuitry, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining energy harvesting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The regenerative drive system is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves both as a regenerative drive for the machine and as an energy harvesting system. The DC bus and associated circuitry universally serve both the machine control function and the energy harvesting function, eliminating the need for dedicated separate circuitry for energy harvesting
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate circuitry is provided for energy harvesting devices, then energy harvesting capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy harvesting device with the regenerative drive system by connecting the harvesting device to the DC bus of the regenerative drive. This merging eliminates the need for separate circuitry, as both functions share common circuit elements including the DC bus, converter, and control circuitry, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining energy harvesting capability
Solution Approach 2:
The regenerative drive system is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves both as a regenerative drive for the machine and as an energy harvesting system. The DC bus and associated circuitry universally serve both the machine control function and the energy harvesting function, eliminating the need for dedicated separate circuitry for energy harvesting
3Device complexity
If existing circuitry is used for energy harvesting, then device complexity is reduced, but energy efficiency may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit of the regenerative drive monitors system parameters and adjusts its operation to optimize energy harvesting. The feedback control ensures that the shared circuitry operates efficiently for both machine control and energy harvesting functions, minimizing energy losses while maintaining reduced device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters of the converter and switching devices to optimize performance for either machine control or energy harvesting mode. By changing parameters such as switching frequency and duty cycle, the system maintains high energy efficiency while using shared circuitry for both functions
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 integration enhances energy efficiency and reduces costs by allowing the conveyance system to utilize existing circuitry for energy harvesting, improving the overall performance and economic viability of the system.
Implementation Method 1
a regenerative drive, wherein the machine is connected to the AC power source by the regenerative drive
Implementation Method 2
a converter, comprising a first plurality of switching devices in selective communication with each phase of the AC power source and with the DC bus; and a machine control circuit, comprising a second plurality of switching devices in selective communication with each terminal of the machine and with the DC bus
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance system includes an alternating current (AC) power source (28), a machine (30) for moving a conveyance apparatus, and a regenerative drive (20). The machine is connected to the AC power source by the regenerative drive. The regenerative drive includes a direct current (DC) bus (26), a converter (22) and a machine control circuit (24). The conveyance system further includes an energy harvesting device (32) and a switching arrangement (34). The switching arrangement (34) is arranged between the energy harvesting device (32) and the machine control circuit (24), and is switchable between a first condition, in which the energy harvesting device (32) is disconnected from the machine control circuit (24), and a second condition in which the energy harvesting device (32) is operatively connected to at least one switching device of the second plurality of switching devices (23) of the machine control circuit (24).