Generator Brake Release Control Using Voltage and Speed Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power generation systems face inefficiencies and increased costs due to inappropriate timing in stopping the electric brake operation, which can lead to reduced power generation efficiency or mechanical damage, especially when relying on anemometers or multiple temperature sensors.
Innovation Solution
A control device that uses a voltage sensor to detect the generated voltage and rotation speed of a generator, determining the appropriate timing to release the electric brake based on predefined thresholds, thereby estimating wind speed without additional sensors like anemometers, thus preventing cost increases and maintaining efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a power generation system using a stirling engine is designed to be compact and lightweight, then portability and installation flexibility are improved, but the system becomes more susceptible to external disturbances such as wind and vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterweight mechanism where a second weight is configured to offset the gravitational force on the piston. By adjusting the position and mass of this counterweight, the system balances the piston's weight, reducing the net force required to drive the piston and minimizing the system's sensitivity to external disturbances while maintaining compact dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters including the position of the counterweight, heating temperature, and cooling temperature to optimize performance under varying external conditions. This allows the compact system to maintain stability by adapting to wind, vibration, and load changes rather than requiring a larger, more rigid structure
2Power
If the power generation system is designed for high power output, then energy generation capability is improved, but the system complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating unit and cooling unit serve multiple functions: they control temperature differential for power generation, regulate piston movement speed, and can be integrated with existing building HVAC systems. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve high power output without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same components serve both power generation and thermal management purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates the heating unit, cooling unit, piston-cylinder assembly, and electrical generation unit into a single compact system. The heating and cooling units can be positioned adjacent to each other, sharing common structural support and control systems, which reduces overall system complexity while maintaining high power output capability through efficient thermal gradient utilization
3Productivity
If the piston moves at high speed to increase power generation, then energy output rate is improved, but mechanical stress and wear on components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes periodic thermal cycling through the heating and cooling units to drive the piston in controlled reciprocating motion. By regulating the duty cycle and timing of heating/cooling phases, the system achieves high average power output while limiting peak piston speeds and acceleration forces, thereby reducing mechanical stress on components during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight position and thermal input rates are dynamically adjusted based on operational conditions to optimize piston movement characteristics. The system transitions from static, fixed-speed operation to dynamic control where piston velocity and force are continuously optimized to maximize power generation while maintaining stresses within safe limits for component longevity
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 control device effectively decelerates the rotating body using the brake circuit, estimates wind speed accurately, and releases the brake at optimal times, preventing power generation efficiency loss and mechanical damage while avoiding the need for additional sensors, thus maintaining system efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a heating unit configured to heat the gas in the cylinder
Implementation Method 2
a cooling unit configured to cool the gas in the cylinder
Implementation Method 3
a stirling engine comprising a piston configured to move along an axis within a cylinder, a heating unit configured to heat the gas in the cylinder, and a cooling unit configured to cool the gas in the cylinder
Implementation Method 4
a power generation system comprising a stirling engine
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A power generation system (100) includes a rotating body (1), a generator (3), a brake circuit (4), a voltage sensor (VS), and a control device (5). When rotation speed of the rotating body (1) exceeds a first threshold (L), the control device (5) executes a brake operation by the brake circuit (4). When a release condition determined based on at least one of a value of a generated voltage detected by the voltage sensor (VS) and the rotation speed of the rotating body (1) is satisfied after the rotation speed of the rotating body (1) is lower than the first threshold (L), the control device (5) stops the brake operation by the brake circuit (4).