Electric Machine Pulsed Torque Control for Energy Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric machines operate inefficiently when subjected to a wide range of load conditions, as they often deviate from their most efficient operating region, leading to reduced energy conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Implementing pulsed control of electric machines, alternating between a first output level and a lower second output level, including zero torque, to enhance energy conversion efficiency under varying operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the electric machine operates continuously to meet varying torque requirements, then the torque output is maintained, but the energy conversion efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by pulsing the electric machine on and off in a cyclic manner. Instead of continuous operation, the machine is activated in periodic bursts to deliver the required average torque output. This periodic operation allows the machine to operate at peak efficiency during active periods while reducing overall energy consumption through strategic shutdowns, directly resolving the contradiction between maintaining torque output and improving energy conversion efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If the electric machine operates at its most efficient speed and torque range, then the energy conversion efficiency is maximized, but the ability to meet varying load conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the operating parameters of the electric machine variable and adaptive. The control system dynamically adjusts the pulsing duty cycle, pulse width, and timing based on real-time load conditions, speed requirements, and torque demands. This dynamic control allows the machine to maintain peak efficiency during active periods while adapting the overall operation to meet varying load conditions, effectively resolving the contradiction between maximizing efficiency and maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
A variety of methods, controllers and electric machine systems are described that facilitate pulsed control of electric machines (e.g., electric motors and generators) to improve the machine's energy conversion efficiency. Under selected operating conditions, the electric machine is intermittently driven (pulsed). The pulsed operation causes the output of the electric machine to alternate between a first output level and a second output level that is lower than the first output level. The output levels are selected such that at least one of the electric machine and a system that includes the electric machine has a higher energy conversion efficiency during the pulsed operation than the electric machine would have when operated at a third output level that would be required to drive the electric machine in a continuous manner to deliver the desired output. In some embodiments, the second output level is zero torque.