HTS Electric Drive Shaft Voltage Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric drive systems for ships face challenges with voltage and frequency fluctuations due to load surges, requiring complex control mechanisms and potentially leading to safety shutdowns or oversizing of on-board power converters.
Innovation Solution
An electric drive shaft with variable-speed generators featuring high-temperature superconductor windings and a generator synchronizer to stabilize voltage and frequency, along with an on-board power supply converter to convert variable amplitudes and frequencies into constant values, eliminating the need for complex regulation and reducing fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If variable-speed generators are directly coupled to drive motors without intermediate converters, then space and costs are reduced, but voltage and frequency fluctuations directly impact the drive system and on-board power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical parameters (voltage and frequency) of the generator output to match the on-board power supply requirements. The generator is controlled to produce voltage and frequency values that are synchronized with the on-board network, eliminating the need for intermediate converters while ensuring stable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that monitors the on-board power supply voltage and frequency, and adjusts the generator output accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that voltage and frequency fluctuations are corrected in real-time, maintaining system reliability without requiring additional converters.
2Reliability
If the on-board power converter is oversized to compensate for traction network fluctuations, then availability is improved, but space and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the generator's electrical parameters (voltage and frequency) to match the on-board power supply requirements, eliminating the need for the on-board power converter to compensate for fluctuations. This allows the converter to be properly dimensioned without oversizing, reducing space and costs while maintaining availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator system serves itself by internally regulating its own output voltage and frequency to match the on-board network requirements. This self-regulation eliminates the need for the on-board power converter to perform stabilization functions, allowing it to be sized appropriately for its actual task.
3Reliability
If complex control systems are added to stabilize speed and voltage, then system stability is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stabilizes voltage and frequency by changing the generator's output parameters through controlled variation of the prime mover speed and generator excitation. This approach achieves stability through parameter adjustment rather than complex control systems, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 solution provides a stable electric drive system that minimizes voltage and frequency fluctuations, reduces the need for complex stabilization mechanisms, and prevents safety shutdowns, enhancing the availability and efficiency of the on-board power supply.
Implementation Method 1
at least one generator (11) has a superconductor winding, in particular a high-temperature superconductor (HTS) winding
Implementation Method 2
The two synchronous machines are directly electrically connected
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric drive shaft (10) comprising at least one speed-variable generator (11) for generating a voltage with a variable amplitude and a variable frequency, and at least one speed-variable drive motor (12) supplied with said voltage. Said drive shaft enables repercussions on the voltage during sudden load changes, and therefore the complexity of the regulation for stabilising the voltage, to be reduced due to the generator (11) comprising a supraconductor winding, especially a high-temperature supraconductor (HTS) winding.