Generator Current Regulation for Torque Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional generator regulation in motor vehicle recuperation systems relies on voltage control, which is complex and sensitive to battery state and temperature, leading to inefficiencies and resource-intensive communication requirements.
Innovation Solution
Regulating generator current instead of voltage to set specific mechanical torque, allowing autonomous and rapid regulation without external communication, and eliminating the need for current measurement, thereby reducing resource demand and communication needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If voltage regulation is used in generator control, then the generator voltage can be held constant, but the system becomes complex and sensitive to battery state and temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the controlled parameter from voltage to current. By regulating generator current instead of voltage, the system achieves torque control while avoiding the complexity and sensitivity issues associated with voltage regulation in recuperation systems
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of regulating voltage to achieve power control (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by regulating current directly to achieve torque control, which is more suitable for recuperation applications
2Speed
If voltage regulation is used, then generator voltage control is achieved, but continuous communication and fast response are required increasing resource demand
Solution Approach 1:
The generator regulator autonomously determines the generator current setpoint based on mechanical torque setpoint and generator speed without requiring continuous external communication. The system serves itself by having the regulator independently calculate and adjust current settings
3Reliability
If voltage regulation is used, then generator operation is controlled, but the system requires fast and fail-safe communication interfaces increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the current regulation function from external control units and places it directly in the generator regulator. This eliminates the need for fast communication interfaces and complex control architectures while maintaining reliable torque control
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 reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by enabling efficient torque control with reduced resource usage and communication demands, allowing for slower setpoint specification and cost-effective implementation.
Implementation Method 1
a generator (1103), which can also be embodied as a starter/generator and thus operated in motor mode
Implementation Method 2
Regulation of the excitation field by way of generator regulator 1005 allows the generator voltage to be held constant
Implementation Method 3
DC/DC converter 1111 that is connected between the two voltage levels. DC/DC converter 1111 converts from 42 volts to 14 volts
Data Source
AI summary
A setpoint for a mechanical torque of a generator in a recuperation system of a motor vehicle is specified, and a generator current of the generator for setting the specified mechanical torque of the generator is set.