Feedforward Generator Damping via DC Link Voltage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical generators driven by uneven speed or torque suffer from unwanted oscillations due to mechanical torsional vibrations, and existing damping systems, whether mechanical or electrical, are either inefficient or bulky, and fail to dynamically adjust to varying torque conditions, leading to power loss.
Innovation Solution
A damping system that includes a ripple sensor and a feedforward circuit to measure and adjust the DC link voltage of an electrical generator, ensuring that the damping power is in phase with the torsional oscillations, thereby effectively reducing mechanical oscillations without the need for additional mechanical dampers or excessive weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical damper is used to reduce torsional oscillation of the drive shaft, then the torsional oscillation is reduced, but the system consumes valuable space and adds weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical damper with an electrical damping system that uses the generator's electrical load to absorb torsional oscillations. The electrical damper converts mechanical vibrations into electrical energy that is dissipated through resistive loading, eliminating the need for physical mechanical damping components and thereby reducing weight and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the electrical load parameters (resistance value) based on the detected torsional oscillation characteristics. By changing the electrical load impedance in real-time, the system optimizes the damping effect while maintaining lightweight construction, as the damping capability is controlled through electrical parameter modulation rather than mechanical component sizing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical damper is used to reduce torsional oscillation of the drive shaft, then the torsional oscillation is reduced, but the system consumes valuable space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical damper with an electrical damping system that uses the generator's electrical load to absorb torsional oscillations. The electrical damper converts mechanical vibrations into electrical energy that is dissipated through resistive loading, eliminating the need for physical mechanical damping components and thereby reducing space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical load serves multiple functions: it provides the primary electrical output of the generator while simultaneously acting as a damper for torsional oscillations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated damping components, reducing overall system volume by consolidating functions into the existing electrical load infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical damper is used to absorb ripple in the mechanical torque, then the damping is dynamically adjustable, but power loss occurs due to constant power load characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the electrical load impedance to match the varying torque conditions and oscillation characteristics. The control system continuously monitors the drive shaft oscillations and adjusts the electrical damper parameters in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to changing operating conditions while minimizing energy losses through optimal impedance matching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the electrical load to counteract the oscillations at their natural frequency. By applying periodic electrical damping forces that are synchronized with the mechanical oscillations, the system achieves effective vibration suppression while minimizing continuous power dissipation, as the damping action is concentrated during the oscillation cycles rather than being continuously active.
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 efficiently absorbs and eliminates torsional oscillations by dynamically adjusting the DC link voltage, reducing power loss and maintaining system stability across varying torque conditions, while being compact and lightweight, suitable for applications like aircraft generators.
Implementation Method 1
a damping converter and resistor coupled to a DC output of the damping converter
Implementation Method 2
resistor coupled to a DC output of the damping converter
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A damping system can include a sensor disposed to measure an amplitude of a speed ripple of a drive shaft of a generator, and can include a feedforward circuit connected to the sensor and to the generator. The feedforward circuit can determine a phase angle formed by a load resistance and a load capacitance driven by the generator, calculate a voltage signal value based on the amplitude and the phase angle, and can adjust a DC link voltage provided by the generator and across the load resistance according to the voltage signal value.