Engine Generator DC Link Voltage Control for Output and Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In engine generators with low displacement and high output, achieving both high output and efficiency is challenging due to limitations in increasing rotation speed and magnetic flux, which can lead to noise issues and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A generator system with a control unit that variably controls the voltage output from a converter based on load conditions, adjusting the DC link voltage to optimize power output and efficiency across varying rotation speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the set rotation speed of the alternator is increased to improve power output, then the power output is improved, but noise increases and merchantability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the DC link voltage adjustable and variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the DC link voltage based on the alternator's rotation speed and load conditions, allowing the system to optimize power output at different operating points without requiring a permanently high rotation speed setting, thereby reducing noise while maintaining power output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of DC link voltage from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be adjusted according to rotation speed and load conditions. By varying the DC link voltage, the system can extract maximum power at different rotation speeds without needing to operate at high speeds continuously, thus reducing noise while maintaining power output.
2Power
If the magnetic flux of the alternator is increased to improve power output, then the power output is improved, but the size, winding, and cost of the alternator increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing magnetic flux to improve power output, the patent uses dynamic control of DC link voltage to allow the alternator to operate efficiently across a range of rotation speeds. This avoids the need for a larger alternator with increased magnetic flux while maintaining the ability to deliver required power output under various load conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from magnetic flux (which would require physical enlargement) to DC link voltage (which can be controlled electronically). By adjusting the DC link voltage, the system can optimize power extraction without increasing the physical size or magnetic flux of the alternator.
3Power
If the magnetic flux of the alternator is increased to improve power output, then the power output is improved, but the efficiency of the alternator at high rotation speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing real-time control of DC link voltage based on rotation speed and load conditions. This allows the alternator to operate at optimal efficiency points across different rotation speeds rather than being constrained by a fixed high magnetic flux design that reduces efficiency at high speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from fixed magnetic flux to variable DC link voltage. This parameter change enables the system to maintain high efficiency across a wide range of rotation speeds by adjusting the voltage to match the alternator's optimal operating characteristics at each speed, rather than suffering efficiency losses from increased magnetic flux.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the engine operates at a wide rotation speed range to meet varying load demands, then the adaptability is improved, but it becomes difficult to achieve both output and efficiency of the alternator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a control unit that dynamically adjusts the DC link voltage based on real-time measurements of rotation speed and load conditions. This dynamic control enables the alternator to maintain optimal output and efficiency across the entire wide rotation speed range required for adaptability to varying load demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the DC link voltage parameter from fixed to variable, allowing it to be adjusted according to rotation speed and load conditions. This parameter change enables the system to achieve both high adaptability to varying loads and maintained output efficiency across the wide rotation speed range.
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
Improves power output and efficiency of the alternator by optimizing voltage control, balancing output and efficiency across different load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator configured to be driven by the engine and to output AC power
Implementation Method 2
a converter configured to convert the AC power output from the alternator into DC power
Implementation Method 3
an inverter configured to convert the DC power converted by the converter into AC power and to supply the AC power to the load
Data Source
AI summary
A generator configured to supply power to a load, including an engine, an alternator configured to be driven by the engine and to output AC power, a converter configured to convert the AC power output from the alternator into DC power, an inverter configured to convert the DC power converted by the converter into AC power and to supply the AC power to the load, and a control unit configured to variably control a value of a voltage output from the converter according to the load.