Dual Field Coil Generator Reliability via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle electrical systems with single field coils are prone to failure when one component malfunctions, leading to voltage transients and disruption of electrical power delivery, especially during sudden load disconnections or mechanical power application.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle electrical system utilizing two independent field coils with switch circuits and a control device that regulates and reconfigures the output voltage, and includes an electrical energy absorbing device to manage transients and protect the generator drive system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single field coil is used in the generator, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because the generator becomes inoperable when the field coil or switching circuit malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The single field coil is segmented into two independent field coils (first field coil and second field coil), each with its own switching circuit. This segmentation allows the generator to continue operating at half power if one field coil or its switching circuit fails, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular redundancy
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a single large field coil is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the voltage transients increase during sudden load disconnection due to large stored electrical energy
Solution Approach 1:
The large single field coil is divided into two smaller field coils, each storing less electrical energy. When load is suddenly disconnected, the total stored energy is distributed across two coils rather than concentrated in one, reducing the magnitude of voltage transients and their duration while maintaining the same overall generator capacity
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
Ensures continuous electrical power delivery even when one field coil or switch circuit fails, reduces voltage transients by dissipating stored energy faster, and protects the generator drive system during deceleration or shutdown.
Implementation Method 1
The generator includes two field coils, each generating a magnetic flux and each interacting with one or more stator windings operative to generate the electrical power
Implementation Method 2
An electrical energy absorbing device may be coupled with the generator via a switch and the control device may be further configured to operate on the switch in response to a shutdown condition, RPM, rate of change of RPM, and voltage transient
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle electrical system comprises a generator which provides electrical power to an electrical load. The generator includes two field coils. A first switch circuit is coupled with the first field coil and a second switch circuit is coupled with the second field coil. A control device, included in the electrical system, operates the first and second switch circuits to regulate the generator output voltage and, in the alternative, to further reconfigure and/or deactivate the switch circuits based on their operating states. The generator maybe further coupled with an electrical energy absorbing device and the control device maybe further configured to operate on a switch, coupled with the electrical energy absorbing device, in response to a shutdown condition, RPM, rate of change of RPM, and voltage transient.