DC Traction Motor Control via H-Bridge Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current DC traction motor systems in vehicles lack the ability to individually control torque and direction of each motor, leading to inefficient propulsion and increased complexity and cost with AC systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising plural DC motors, H-bridge circuits, and a controller that communicates PWM signals to switch assemblies to independently control torque and direction of each motor, allowing for concurrent or simultaneous control of different motors without mechanical linkage changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If DC traction motors are electrically connected together to simplify the control system, then device complexity is reduced, but individual torque control capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical connection system into separate segments, with each DC motor connected to the DC bus through its own independent switch assembly. This segmentation allows individual control of each motor while maintaining the simplicity of a common DC power source, resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and individual control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly acts as an intermediary component between the DC bus and each motor. It includes electronic switches and control circuitry that enable individual torque control of each motor without requiring direct complex interconnections between motors, thus maintaining system simplicity while achieving versatile control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If AC traction motors are used to achieve individual torque control, then adaptability or versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter approach by using electronic switches in the power drive circuitry to control torque. Instead of using complex AC motor control systems, it employs DC motors with simple on/off switching control through the switch assemblies, achieving individual torque control while maintaining system simplicity and reducing cost.
3Ease of operation
If all traction motors are controlled together to simplify the control system, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity and tractive effort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent control channels for each motor through the switch assemblies. Each motor can be controlled individually based on wheel slip detection, allowing the system to maintain ease of operation while maximizing tractive effort by optimizing each motor's contribution independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from wheel slip detection to the control circuitry of each switch assembly. When wheel slip is detected on a specific axle, the control system automatically adjusts the torque of the corresponding motor independently, improving productivity and tractive effort while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control.
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 individual control of torque and direction of each DC traction motor, improving tractive effort, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing downtime due to fault events, while maintaining efficient propulsion and reducing wear and tear.
Implementation Method 1
H-bridge circuits with each of the H-bridge circuits able to be coupled with a different motor of the motors to control rotation of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A direct current traction motor control system includes plural motors of with each of the motors configured to be coupled with a different axle of a vehicle and to rotate the axle to propel the vehicle. The motors are coupled with a DC bus and configured to receive DC via the DC bus to power the motors. The system also includes plural switch assemblies with each of the switch assemblies having an H-bridge circuit coupled with a different motor of the motors to control rotation of the motor. The system includes a controller configured to communicate control signals to the switch assemblies to individually control the H-bridge circuits to control one or more of torques output by the motors or rotation directions of the motors.