Flywheel UPS Engine Start-Up Without DC Starter Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uninterruptible power supply systems rely on direct-current starters for engine startup, which are unreliable and require multiple components to function properly, leading to delays and inefficiencies in engine acceleration and power production.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system that uses a synchronous machine with a flywheel and rotating rectifier to provide cranking torque and accelerate the engine to full speed quickly, independent of traditional engine cranking methods, while minimizing controls and electronics and avoiding battery use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a direct-current starter is used for engine startup, then the engine can be started, but the system becomes unreliable and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the direct-current starter from the system entirely. Instead of using a traditional starter motor with battery, the system uses the flywheel's kinetic energy to directly crank the engine, eliminating multiple components and simplifying the startup mechanism while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flywheel serves dual purposes: it stores kinetic energy during normal operation and automatically provides the cranking torque needed for engine startup. The system uses its own operational energy to perform the startup function without requiring external starting components.
2Loss of time
If traditional engine cranking methods are used, then the engine can be started, but startup time is delayed and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flywheel continuously stores kinetic energy during normal engine operation, preparing the energy in advance for the startup phase. When startup is needed, this pre-stored energy is immediately available, eliminating delays and reducing the energy required for cranking compared to starting from a complete stop.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for engine startup, then the engine can be started, but system reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flywheel's energy storage function with the engine cranking function into a single integrated system. The flywheel directly couples to the engine crankshaft, merging the kinetic energy storage mechanism with the startup mechanism, thereby reducing component count and improving reliability.
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 achieves rapid engine acceleration, reduces startup time, and enhances energy efficiency by utilizing kinetic energy from the flywheel and independent power generation, thereby improving reliability and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing kinetic energy from the flywheel
Implementation Method 2
A power supply system uses a synchronous machine with a flywheel and rotating rectifier to provide cranking torque and accelerate the engine to full speed
Implementation Method 3
synchronous machine with a flywheel and rotating rectifier
Data Source
AI summary
An uninterruptible power supply system has a regulated power source, an electrical generator electrically interconnected to the regulated power source, an engine having a main shaft integral with or coupled to the shaft of the electrical generator, a rotating rectifier mounted onto a shaft of the electrical generator, a mains power supply, a switch connected between the electrical generator, the mains power supply and a synchronous machine of the regulated power source, a synchronous generator, and an uninterruptible load. The regulated power source has a housing, a synchronous machine, a synchronous generator, and a flywheel sharing a common shaft. The electrical generator has a shaft coupled to a combustion engine. The switch transfers power from the synchronous machine to the electrical generator to cause the electrical generator to rotate its shaft or the main shaft of the engine. A short-stop load is supplied power from the electrical generator.