Tunable Halbach Magnet Array for Wide-Range Electric Machine Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric generators and motors experience significant efficiency drops when operating outside their rated rotational speed and torque, often reducing efficiency to as low as 30-60% in variable torque and speed conditions common in renewable energy and hybrid vehicle technologies.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a tunable Halbach magnet array configuration in the rotor of electric machines, combined with the ability to switch stator windings between series, parallel, and combinations thereof, allows for dynamic adjustment of the magnetic field and electrical configuration to match varying torque and speed requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional electric generators and motors operate at rated rotational speed and torque, then efficiency is improved (90%-98%), but adaptability to variable torque and speed conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the magnetic field configuration adjustable and changeable during operation. The Halbach magnet array can be reconfigured from a first configuration to a second configuration, allowing the electric machine to dynamically adapt its magnetic field strength to match varying torque and speed requirements, thereby maintaining high efficiency across a wide operating range rather than being fixed at rated conditions only
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by reconfiguring the Halbach magnet array. By altering the arrangement or activation of magnets in the array, the magnetic field strength and distribution are adjusted to optimize performance for different operating conditions, enabling the machine to maintain high efficiency whether operating at rated speed/torque or under variable load conditions
2Reliability
If electric machines are designed for constant torque and continuous rotation, then reliability is improved, but versatility for variable power sources deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the electric machine to perform multiple functions through the reconfigurable Halbach magnet array. The same machine can reliably operate in constant torque mode for continuous rotation while also adapting to variable torque and speed conditions from renewable energy sources like wind or hydro, making it a multi-functional device that serves both traditional and renewable energy applications
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic reconfiguration capability of the Halbach magnet array allows the machine to transition between different operational modes. This dynamic adaptation enables the machine to maintain reliability across diverse operating conditions, whether driven by conventional constant-speed motors or variable-speed renewable energy sources
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 approach enables electric machines to maintain high efficiency across a wide range of voltage, amperage, torque, and speed conditions, significantly improving performance in applications with variable power sources and loads.
Implementation Method 1
tunable Halbach magnet array
Implementation Method 2
The rotary force causes electric current to be generated in one or more wire windings through interaction between magnetic fields created by magnets within the generator and the wire windings
Implementation Method 3
Electric motors convert electrical energy into mechanical energy through the interaction between magnetic fields created by magnets within the motor and electric current passing through one or more wire windings to generate a motive force
Data Source
AI summary
An electric machine with variable torque generation having a tunable Halbach array configuration. The electric machine includes a magnet assembly for generating a magnetic field. The magnet assembly includes a plurality of fixed magnets disposed in a ring arrangement so that fixed magnets having a north pole faced toward the rotor or stator are alternated with fixed magnets having a south pole faced toward the rotor or stator, a plurality of rotatable magnets disposed within a respective slot formed between two adjacent fixed magnets, a drive assembly for turning the rotatable magnets within the slots to vary the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly in the rotor or stator, the drive assembly configured to turn the rotatable magnets between a first position wherein the magnetic field in the rotor or stator is augmented and a second position wherein the magnetic field in the rotor or stator is cancelled.