Generator Motor Start-Up for Engine Power Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing uninterruptible power supply systems using internal combustion engines face delays and reliability issues in starting up the engine due to the need for starters, which can fail, and have complexities with mechanical components and controls.

Innovation Solution

A power supply system incorporating a regulated power source with a synchronous machine and flywheel, an electrical generator, and a switch that allows the generator to act as an induction motor for rapid engine start-up, minimizing controls and mechanical parts, and avoiding battery dependence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a starter is used to start the internal combustion engine, then the engine can be started, but the reliability decreases due to starter failures and mechanical complexities increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine start-up reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical components and controls

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical starter system with an electrical system where the electrical generator functions as a motor. This substitution eliminates mechanical starter components and their associated reliability issues while reducing overall mechanical complexity in the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical generator is designed to perform dual functions: generating electricity during normal operation and acting as a motor for engine start-up. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate starter system, reducing component count and improving reliability by removing potential failure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Speed

If a traditional starter system is used, then the engine can be started, but the start-up speed is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengine start-up speedVSAvoidstart-up delay

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By replacing the mechanical starter with an electrical motor system (the generator acting as a motor), the patent achieves faster and more responsive engine start-up. Electrical systems provide immediate torque and can accelerate the engine crankshaft much faster than mechanical starter systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If mechanical starters and clutches are used for engine start-up, then the engine can be started, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestart-up operationVSAvoidmechanical parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical starters and clutches with an electrical system where the generator acts as a motor. This substitution dramatically reduces the number of mechanical parts, simplifies the start-up operation, and eliminates the need for complex mechanical coupling and disengagement mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical generator serves dual purposes: power generation during normal operation and motor function during start-up. This eliminates the need for separate starter motors, clutches, and associated mechanical components, thereby simplifying the overall system operation and reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances the reliability and speed of engine start-up, reduces the risk of failures, and provides a redundant system to ensure continuous power supply by using the electrical generator as a motor for cranking the engine, thus minimizing delays and mechanical complexities.

Implementation Method 1

the electrical generator as a motor for rapid engine start-up

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a regulated power source with a synchronous machine and flywheel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy storage: Flywheel

Data Source

PatentEP3939142B1Power supply system and system for providing start-up of engines used in such power supply system

Publication Date: 2024.01.03 POTENCIA IND LLC

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AI summary

A power supply system (10) includes a regulated power source (12) that has a synchronous machine (13), a flywheel (16) with a shaft (14) connected thereto, an electrical generator (18) electrically connected through a switch to the synchronous machine (13) of the regulated power source (12), an engine (19) having a main shaft coupled to the shaft of the electrical generator, a power supply (20), and a switch (22) connected between the electrical generator, the power supply and the regulated power source. The switch transfers power from the regulated power (12) source to the electrical generator (18) so as to cause the electrical generator to rotate the shaft in order to rotate the shaft of the engine (19) during engine start-up.