Dual DC Bus Generator Windings for Fault-Tolerant Marine Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy supply systems for water-based facilities, such as ships and platforms, face challenges in providing flexible and reliable electrical energy distribution at different voltage levels, especially in the event of power source failures, due to the need for multiple transformers and converters that lead to inefficiencies and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A dual DC voltage bus system with a first DC voltage bus for a higher voltage level and a second DC voltage bus for a lower voltage level, utilizing generators with multiple windings and direct connections to DC buses, along with active rectifiers and DC/DC converters, allows for independent energy supply to different zones and consumers, reducing the need for transformers and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transformers and converters are used to distribute electrical energy at different voltage levels, then the energy supply system can provide flexible voltage distribution, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply system is segmented into multiple independent DC voltage buses (first DC voltage bus and second DC voltage bus) operating at different voltage levels. Each bus can be independently controlled and managed, allowing flexible voltage distribution without requiring complex transformer connections. The segmentation enables direct connection of different voltage level buses, eliminating the need for transformers between them.
Solution Approach 2:
A converter unit acts as an intermediary between the first DC voltage bus and the second DC voltage bus, enabling controlled energy transfer and voltage conversion between the two buses. This intermediary approach provides flexible voltage adaptation without requiring traditional transformer-based solutions, reducing system complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple transformers and converters are used to distribute electrical energy at different voltage levels, then different voltage levels can be supplied, but energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates transformers from the energy distribution system by implementing direct connections between DC voltage buses at different voltage levels. This removal of unnecessary transformation stages significantly reduces energy losses associated with transformer operations, while voltage adaptation is achieved through the converter unit that operates more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes mechanical transformer-based voltage transformation with an electronic converter-based approach. The converter unit uses power electronic devices to achieve voltage conversion between DC buses, which is more efficient and produces fewer energy losses compared to traditional electromagnetic transformer-based systems.
3Device complexity
If the energy supply system uses a single centralized structure, then the system is simpler to manage, but reliability decreases in the event of power source failures
Solution Approach 1:
The energy supply system is divided into multiple independent DC voltage buses and zones, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation creates redundancy, as failures in one bus or zone do not necessarily affect the others. The system can isolate faults locally while maintaining power supply to other areas, significantly improving reliability under fault conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant energy sources and multiple independent power supply paths in advance. Converter units and multiple DC buses are configured to provide alternative power routes before failures occur. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when faults happen, the system can switch to alternative paths and maintain operation, enhancing reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional AC distribution systems with transformers are used, then voltage transformation is achieved, but the system requires heavy and expensive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces heavy mechanical transformer equipment with lightweight power electronic converter units. The converter uses semiconductor devices and control circuits to achieve voltage transformation between DC buses, eliminating the need for heavy iron cores, windings, and magnetic materials associated with traditional transformers. This substitution dramatically reduces equipment weight while maintaining voltage transformation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental operating parameters from AC to DC power distribution. By using DC voltage buses at different voltage levels with direct connections and electronic converters, the system achieves voltage transformation without requiring heavy electromagnetic transformation equipment. This parameter change from AC to DC enables the use of lighter, more efficient power electronic devices.
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 flexible and efficient energy distribution with reduced losses, lower costs, and increased reliability by eliminating transformers and enabling independent operation of different zones, even in fault conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a generator system which has a first winding system for feeding a first DC voltage bus with a first voltage and having a second winding system for feeding a second DC voltage bus with a second voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an energy supply system (100) for a water-bound device (101) and to a corresponding operating method, comprising: a first DC voltage bus (11) for a first DC voltage; a second DC voltage bus (12) for a second DC voltage; a first energy source (21), the first energy source (21) having a generator system which has a first winding system (41) for supplying the first DC voltage bus (11) and which has a second winding system (42) for supplying the second DC voltage bus (12).