Generator Voltage Regulator Using Frequency-Derivative Load Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 uses the second derivative of the operating frequency to rapidly detect load impacts and adjust excitation voltage or current to stabilize the electrical output.
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 applies preliminary action by computing the second derivative of frequency to predict load changes before they fully manifest. The detection system calculates d²f/dt² in advance to anticipate load impacts, allowing the excitation system to prepare and respond more quickly. This predictive approach enables faster response without requiring complex real-time control algorithms during the actual load change event.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical frequency/voltage sensing mechanisms with computational analysis of the second derivative. Instead of using complex mechanical governors or voltage regulators, the system uses mathematical computation (second derivative calculation) to detect load changes and trigger excitation adjustments. This substitution of computational methods for mechanical systems achieves faster response with simpler physical hardware.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional voltage regulation methods are used, then the system stability is maintained at acceptable levels, but frequency and voltage swings remain wide and response to load changes is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the second derivative of frequency and using this information to adjust the excitation voltage. The detection system computes d²f/dt² and feeds this signal back to the excitation system, which adjusts field voltage accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism with second-derivative sensing provides rapid detection of load changes and automatic correction, reducing frequency and voltage swings while maintaining stability.
3Loss of time
If the excitation voltage is adjusted rapidly to respond to load changes, then the response time is shortened, but frequency and voltage variations may increase during the transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting load changes through the second derivative before they cause significant frequency or voltage deviations. The system computes d²f/dt² to identify emerging load impacts early in the transition process, allowing the excitation system to begin correction before the full magnitude of frequency/voltage swings occurs. This early intervention minimizes variations while maintaining rapid response.
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 minimizes frequency and voltage variations, improves stability, and shortens response times to load changes by using the second derivative of the operating frequency to quickly adjust excitation parameters.
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
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.