Tunable Halbach Magnet Assembly for Variable Torque and Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric generators and motors are inefficient when operating outside their rated rotational speed and torque conditions, often dropping to 30-60% efficiency in variable torque and speed applications such as renewable energy technologies and hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
The use of a tunable Halbach magnet array configuration in electric machines, which adjusts the magnetic field strength by interspersing fixed and rotatable magnets and switching stator coil windings between series and parallel configurations, allows for dynamic adjustment of torque and speed to match varying conditions, thereby optimizing efficiency across a wider range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electric generators and motors operate outside their rated rotational speed and torque conditions, then they can adapt to variable applications, but their efficiency decreases dramatically to 30-60%
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the magnetic field strength adjustable through a tunable Halbach magnet array. The magnet array can be dynamically reconfigured to produce different magnetic field strengths, allowing the electric machine to adapt to varying torque and speed conditions while maintaining high efficiency. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the machine to be dynamically tuned rather than fixed at a single operating point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field strength parameter dynamically using the Halbach magnet array configuration. By adjusting the magnetic field strength to match the required torque and speed conditions, the machine maintains optimal efficiency across a wide range of operating conditions, resolving the efficiency loss that occurs in conventional machines operating outside their rated conditions.
2Loss of energy
If conventional electric machines are designed for constant torque and continuous rotation, then they achieve high efficiency (90-98%) at rated conditions, but they cannot handle variable torque and speed applications effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics to the magnetic field configuration through the tunable Halbach magnet array. This allows the machine to transition from a static, fixed-performance design to a dynamic system that can adjust its magnetic field strength in real-time, enabling effective operation across variable torque and speed conditions while maintaining high efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electric machine universal by enabling it to perform multiple functions across different operating conditions. The tunable magnetic field allows the same machine to efficiently handle both constant torque applications and variable torque applications, eliminating the need for different machines designed for specific operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the magnetic field strength is increased to handle variable torque conditions, then adaptability improves, but energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the magnetic field strength parameter dynamically using the Halbach magnet array. Instead of using a fixed high magnetic field that causes energy losses, the system adjusts the magnetic field strength to match the actual torque requirements, maintaining adaptability while minimizing energy losses through optimal parameter matching.
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 (up to 98%) even under variable torque and speed conditions, improving energy conversion efficiency in applications like wind power, hydroelectric, and hybrid vehicles by dynamically adjusting the magnetic field and coil configurations.
Implementation Method 1
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 2
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
Implementation Method 3
magnetic fields created by magnets within the generator and the wire windings
Implementation Method 4
tunable Halbach magnet array configuration in electric machines, which adjusts the magnetic field strength
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.