Electronic Governor Engine Speed Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing generator systems are inefficient and noisy during low load operation due to direct drive transmissions, and inverter-based systems are complex and expensive.
Innovation Solution
An electronic governor system that monitors the frequency of the alternator's output voltage and adjusts the engine speed through a throttle to maintain a constant frequency, using a continuously variable transmission (CVT) pulley system and a voltage sensing circuit to anticipate changes in load demand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct drive transmission is used to couple engine to alternator, then engine speed can be fixed at constant rpm for simple control, but system becomes inefficient and excessively noisy during low load operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed engine speed to variable engine speed operation. The governor system dynamically adjusts engine RPM based on actual load conditions, allowing the engine to operate at optimal speeds rather than being locked at constant high speed, thereby improving efficiency during low load operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the engine by allowing RPM to vary according to load demand. Instead of maintaining a fixed parameter (constant speed), the system adjusts speed as a variable parameter based on feedback from the alternator frequency and load sensing, resolving the contradiction between simple control and energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If inverter is used to allow variable engine speed operation, then engine can operate at speeds proportionate to power demand improving efficiency, but system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the frequency conversion function from the alternator output and performs it mechanically through the CVT governor system instead of using an electronic inverter. By taking out the speed regulation function and placing it in the mechanical governor-CVT-engine system, the patent eliminates the need for complex electronic inverters while maintaining variable speed operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mechanical intermediary system (governor + CVT) between the engine and alternator that mediates the speed relationship. This mechanical mediation allows the engine to run at variable speeds directly coupled to the alternator without requiring electronic conversion, thus reducing system complexity while achieving the efficiency benefits of variable speed operation.
3Reliability
If rpm sensor with permanent magnet and tooth wheel is used to monitor alternator speed, then governor can adjust throttle to maintain constant alternator speed, but cost of sensing components increases overall system cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical sensing system (permanent magnet + tooth wheel + rpm sensor) with an electrical sensing approach. By monitoring the frequency of the electrical output voltage from the alternator, the system derives speed information without requiring additional mechanical sensing components, thus reducing complexity while maintaining reliable speed monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the alternator output voltage serve multiple functions: it provides both the electrical power output and the speed monitoring signal. The same voltage that is delivered to the load also contains frequency information that can be used by the governor for control, eliminating the need for separate sensing components and reducing overall system 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
The system improves efficiency and reduces noise by dynamically adjusting engine speed to match changing load conditions, maintaining a stable output frequency and reducing the need for expensive inverter technology.
Implementation Method 1
An alternator having a rotor disposed on a rotor shaft is coupled to the drive shaft of the engine such that the engine drives the alternator to generate a variable AC output voltage
Implementation Method 2
The electronic governor monitors the output voltage from the alternator between voltage benchmarks on the output voltage. As the frequency of the output voltage increases above a desired frequency, the electronic governor adjusts the throttle to reduce the speed of the engine.
Data Source
AI summary
A generator having an electronic governor for controlling the speed of an engine to generate an output voltage from an alternator is disclosed. The generator includes an alternator coupled to an engine to generate an output voltage. The variable speed of the engine allows the alternator to generate a variable output voltage. An electronic governor monitors a time period between voltage benchmarks on the output voltage. The electronic governor compares the monitored time period to a reference time period and adjusts the position of the throttle based upon the comparison between the monitored time period and the reference time period. The reference time period is set based upon the desired output voltage frequency. In an alternate embodiment, the electronic governor senses the current draw from the alternator and adjusts the position of the throttle to prevent changes in the frequency of the output voltage.