Variable Speed Generator Rectifier Reconfiguration for Voltage Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-powered generators with wide speed ranges face challenges in maintaining consistent voltage output due to varying input speeds, leading to decreased system performance and potential failure, necessitating larger, heavier, and more expensive generators to compensate.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system comprising a variable speed, multi-phase generator coupled with diode rectifier circuits and high-power DC contactors that reconfigure in series, parallel, or mixed configurations based on input speed and AC voltage to maintain a constant DC output voltage, using a controller to adjust the configuration and ensure seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the generator size is increased to maintain rated voltage over wide speed range, then voltage stability is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the rectifier circuit configuration changeable based on operating conditions. The system dynamically reconfigures rectifier circuits between series and parallel connections according to generator speed, allowing a standard-sized generator to maintain stable DC voltage output across wide speed ranges without requiring an oversized generator design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical configuration parameter of the rectifier circuits from fixed to variable. By switching between series and parallel configurations, the system adjusts the effective voltage transformation ratio, enabling voltage stability maintenance with a standard generator size rather than requiring a larger generator
2Reliability
If modifications are made to the generator to maintain voltage over variable speed, then voltage stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability to the rectifier circuits while keeping the generator itself simple and standard. The complexity is localized to the control system that manages switching between series and parallel rectifier configurations, rather than complicating the generator design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the voltage regulation function from the generator to the rectifier circuit configuration system. Instead of modifying the generator to handle variable speed voltage regulation, the system divides the problem into generator operation and rectifier configuration control, simplifying each component's design
3Reliability
If the generator size is increased to handle wide speed range, then power output stability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic reconfiguration of rectifier circuits to maintain stable power output across wide speed ranges, eliminating the need to manufacture and install oversized generators. This approach significantly reduces system cost while achieving the same power stability goal
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 system achieves a nearly constant high voltage direct current output across a wide range of generator speeds, reducing the need for larger generators and maintaining system performance without significant weight or cost increases.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of diode rectifier circuits coupled to the at least one multi-phased generator. The plurality of diode rectifier circuits are configured to convert the AC voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for achieving a constant narrow range DC voltage are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system comprises at least one variable speed, multi-phased generator configured to generate an alternating current (AC) voltage. A plurality of diode rectifier circuits is coupled to the at least one multi-phased generator. The plurality of diode rectifier circuits are configured to convert the AC voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage. A plurality of high-power DC contactors is connected to the plurality of diode rectifier circuits. The plurality of high-power DC contactors is configured to configure outputs of the plurality of diode rectifier circuits in one of a parallel, series, and/or mixed parallel and series configuration. A controller coupled to the plurality of diode rectifier circuits and is configured to reconfigure the plurality of high-power DC contactors based on a control parameter of the at least one multi-phased generator.