Generator Assembly Voltage Regulation via AC Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing generator assemblies with variable speed power engines face complexity in maintaining a constant voltage in the direct voltage intermediate circuit, requiring a step-up chopper, which complicates the system.

Innovation Solution

The generator assembly adjusts magnetization of the AC generator based on output voltage and power is controlled by changing the torque-related component of current through an AC coupling, eliminating the need for a chopper by using a first converter member to rectify and regulate voltage, and a controller to manage current components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a step-up chopper is used to maintain constant voltage in the direct voltage intermediate circuit, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the step-up chopper from the system entirely. Instead of adding a chopper to maintain voltage stability, the solution extracts this component and replaces its function with control of the AC generator's magnetization through the voltage regulator, thereby simplifying the device while maintaining voltage stability in the direct voltage intermediate circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chopper-based voltage regulation system with an electrical control system. The voltage regulator controls the magnetization of the AC generator through field winding current, substituting the need for a step-up chopper with an electrical field control mechanism that achieves the same voltage stabilization function without the complexity of additional switching components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach allows for a stable direct voltage in the intermediate circuit without a chopper, simplifying the system and maintaining voltage consistency across varying engine speeds.

Implementation Method 1

The generator means are arranged to convert the mechanical power from the power engine 14 to AC power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The first converter member 11 comprises an AC coupling that is connected to the AC coupling of the generator means and a DC coupling that is connected to the direct voltage intermediate circuit 13. The first converter member 11 is arranged to rectify the voltage to be inputted to its AC coupling into DC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 3

the voltage regulator 4 is arranged to regulate the voltage of the AC coupling of the generator means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetization control: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentEP2111687B1Generator assembly
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 KONECRANES GLOBAL OY
  • EP2111687B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A generator assembly including generator means and a first converter member (11), the generator means being arranged to convert mechanical power to electric power and comprising an AC generator (2), a voltage regulator (4) and an AC coupling, the voltage regulator (4) being arranged to regulate magneti- zation of the AC generator (2) on the basis of data associated with the voltage of the AC coupling of the generator means, the AC coupling being arranged to supply electric power from the AC generator (2) to the first converter member (11), and the first converter member (11) being arranged to rectify the voltage applied through the AC coupling into DC voltage. The first converter member (11) isarranged to adjust the power of the AC generator (2) by changing the component (I q ) associated with the torque of the current passing through the AC coupling so as to provide the power of desired magnitude.