Generator Voltage Regulator Using Frequency Derivative Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic voltage regulators for internal combustion engine generators suffer from poor frequency and voltage control, wide swings in frequency and voltage, and slow response times to changes in electrical load.
Innovation Solution
An engine powered generator with a voltage regulator that includes a sampling system, detection system, and excitation system, which utilizes the second derivative of the operating frequency to rapidly adjust excitation voltage or current in response to load impacts, minimizing frequency and voltage variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If basic control strategies are used in automatic voltage regulators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the response time to load changes increases and frequency/voltage control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for load impact detection from first derivative to second derivative of operating frequency. This parameter change enables faster detection of load changes while maintaining manageable system complexity, directly addressing the contradiction between simple control strategies and fast response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or simple electronic frequency detection mechanisms with a computational approach using second derivative calculation. This substitution enables rapid digital processing of frequency changes, achieving fast response times without proportionally increasing hardware complexity.
2Device complexity
If traditional voltage regulators are used, then the device structure remains simple, but frequency and voltage swings become wide and stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the second derivative of operating frequency is continuously monitored and used to trigger excitation adjustments. This feedback loop detects load impacts early and responds appropriately, improving frequency and voltage stability while maintaining a relatively simple regulator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses second derivative detection to identify load impacts before they cause significant frequency and voltage deviations. By detecting changes in the rate of change, the system takes preliminary action to counteract load impacts before they result in wide swings, thereby improving stability without complex structure.
3Ease of operation
If basic control algorithms are implemented, then the system is easier to operate, but the precision of frequency and voltage control is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the analytical parameter from first derivative to second derivative of frequency, which provides more precise detection of load impact timing and magnitude. This parameter enhancement improves control precision while the automated computational approach maintains ease of operation.
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 provides rapid and stable control of electrical output frequency and voltage, reducing response times and minimizing fluctuations by using the second derivative of the operating frequency to detect and respond to load changes.
Implementation Method 1
an alternator comprising a rotor operably coupled to the crankshaft, the alternator configured to deliver electrical power at an electrical output
Implementation Method 2
a voltage regulator configured to regulate an excitation voltage applied to a field winding of the alternator
Data Source
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AI summary
A voltage regulator for an engine powered generator having a sampling system to sample an operating frequency of an alternating current at an electrical output of the generator. A detection system is configured to monitor the operating frequency of the generator. An excitation system is configured to alter either an excitation voltage or an excitation current of a field winding of an alternator of the engine when the operating frequency of the generator indicates a load impact at the electrical output of the generator. The excitation system then controls the excitation voltage or the excitation current as necessary to minimize the variation in the operating frequency in response to the load impact.