Integrated Electrical Machine Switching for Converter-Free Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems with active front end (AFE) power converters are bulky and expensive, and they require additional components like switchboards and power converters, which increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The electrical machine comprises a stator with multiple stator coil groups and a power electronic switching assembly with independently controlled switching modules, allowing for flexible operation as a generator or motor and eliminating the need for external power converters and switchboards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If AFE power converters are used to connect AC generators and motors to AC buses, then power control and motor speed regulation are achieved, but the system becomes bulky and expensive with additional components like switchboards and power converters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the AFE power converter functionality directly into the electrical machine by integrating a power electronic switching assembly with multiple independently controllable switching modules into either the stator or rotor. This merging eliminates the need for separate external power converters and switchboards, reducing system complexity while maintaining power control capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical machine is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating power electronic switching assemblies that enable the machine to perform both motor/generator operations and power conversion functions. The switching modules can independently control multiple stator coils or rotor windings, allowing the single device to replace multiple separate components including power converters and switchboards.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independent switching modules are integrated into the electrical machine, then flexible power management and independent control of power flow are achieved, but the internal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The power electronic switching assembly is segmented into multiple independently controllable switching modules, where each module can be controlled separately to manage power flow to different stator coils or rotor windings. This segmentation enables flexible power management and independent control while organizing the internal structure into manageable, modular units that reduce overall complexity.
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 configuration enables efficient and flexible power management, reducing the need for bulky and expensive components, and allowing for independent control of power flow between different machine terminals.
Implementation Method 1
Each electrical machine comprises a stator with a stator winding... a power electronic switching assembly comprising a plurality of switching modules... adapted to be selectively controlled so as to commutate current flowing through the stator coils
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical machine (100) is described. The electrical machine (100) may form part of a power system for a marine vessel, for example. The electrical machine (100) includes first machine terminals (122a, 122b) electrically connectable to one or more first loads or power sources and second machine terminals (124a, 124b) electrically connectable to one or more second loads or power sources. A stator (104) of the electrical machine (100) includes a plurality of first stator coil groups, each first stator coil group defining a respective stator phase and comprising one or more interconnected first stator coils (1061, 1062, ..., 106n), and a plurality of second stator coil groups, each second stator coil group defining a respective stator phase and comprising one or more interconnected second stator coils (1081, 1082, ..., 108p). A power electronic switching assembly of the electrical machine (100) includes a plurality of first switching module assemblies (1091, 1092, ..., 109n) electrically connected to or between the first machine terminals (122a, 122b) and a plurality of second switching module assemblies (1111, 1112, ..., 111p) electrically connected to or between the second machine terminals (124a, 124b). Each first switching module assembly (1091, 1092, ..., 109n) includes one or more interconnected first switching modules (1101, 1102, ..., 110n). Each first switching module (1101, 1102, ..., 110n) is electrically connected to a respective first stator coil group. Each second switching module assembly (1111, 1112, ..., 111p) includes one or more interconnected second switching modules (1121, 1122, ..., 112p). Each second switching module (1121, 1122, ..., 112p) is electrically connected to a respective second stator coil group.