DC Power Generation Voltage Regulation via Synchronous d-q Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DC power generating systems for ground vehicles face challenges in voltage regulation, particularly with constant power loads and large PMG speed range variations, which affect the operating range of active rectifiers and require larger DC link capacitors.

Innovation Solution

A DC power system incorporating a permanent magnet generator, an active rectifier, and a controller that regulates d-q components of the stator current using a synchronous current regulator with pulse width modulation, electrical angle estimation, and a non-linear voltage regulator to provide feedback and reference components, optimizing voltage regulation and reducing the need for large DC link capacitors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional voltage regulation methods are used with large PMG speed range variations, then the active rectifier operating range is limited, but the system requires larger DC link capacitors to maintain voltage stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage regulationVSAvoidDC link capacitor size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic voltage regulation through a non-linear voltage regulator that continuously adjusts the d-q current reference components based on real-time PMG speed and feedback voltage. This dynamic control enables the system to maintain stable DC output voltage across wide speed variations without requiring oversized DC link capacitors, as the regulator adapts its control parameters to changing operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameters by regulating d-q components of stator current in a synchronous reference frame rather than using traditional scalar control. The non-linear voltage regulator dynamically adjusts current reference components (id_ref and iq_ref) based on PMG speed and feedback voltage, enabling effective voltage regulation across the full PMG speed range with reduced capacitor requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the PMG speed range is increased to improve versatility, then the active rectifier controllability range becomes insufficient, but voltage regulation performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed rangeVSAvoidvoltage regulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the control approach by regulating d-q current components in a synchronous reference frame and using a non-linear voltage regulator that adapts control parameters (current references) based on instantaneous PMG speed. This enables effective voltage regulation across the full PMG speed range from low to high speeds, overcoming the limited controllability range of traditional active rectifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the non-linear voltage regulator continuously monitors the feedback voltage from the active rectifier and the estimated PMG speed, then dynamically adjusts the d-q current reference components. This closed-loop feedback control ensures stable voltage regulation performance across the entire PMG speed range, maintaining reliability even as speed varies widely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If conventional current control is used, then the system structure is simpler, but the dynamic performance during load changes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller structureVSAvoiddynamic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enhances dynamic performance by implementing control of d-q current components in a synchronous reference frame with a non-linear voltage regulator that dynamically adjusts current references based on PMG speed and feedback voltage. This advanced control strategy significantly improves the system's ability to respond to load changes compared to conventional scalar current control, while the modular controller architecture manages the increased complexity through structured organization of estimation and regulation functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enhances voltage regulation across a wide speed range, improves dynamic performance during load changes, and reduces the size, cost, and weight of DC power generating systems by maintaining a constant DC output voltage and stabilizing the DC bus.

Implementation Method 1

a permanent magnet generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an active rectifier in electrical communication with the permanent magnet generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP2662963B1High voltage DC power generation
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP2662963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2662963B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2662963B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A DC power generating system (100) includes a permanent magnet generator (PMG) (101), an active rectifier (120) in electrical communication with the PMG, and a controller (106) in electrical communication with the active rectifier, wherein the controller is configured to regulate d-q components of a stator current of the PMG in a synchronous reference frame.