Hummingbird Control System for Variable Renewable Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current renewable energy systems, particularly wind and marine hydrokinetic turbines, face inefficiencies and mechanical failures due to the need to convert variable speed inputs into constant frequency and voltage outputs, often relying on mechanical gearboxes that are prone to failure and require frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Hummingbird control system utilizing two three-variable spur/helical gear assemblies and a constant speed motor, combined with a magnetic gear assembly, to convert variable rotational speed into constant electrical frequency and voltage, eliminating the need for power drainage from the electric grid and reducing mechanical stress on gearboxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical gearboxes are used to convert variable speed inputs into constant frequency outputs, then speed conversion is achieved, but mechanical failures and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gearboxes with a power electronic converter system that uses electrical switching devices (IGBTs, diodes, capacitors) to achieve speed conversion. The variable speed generator connects to a rectifier-inverter system that converts variable frequency AC to DC and then to constant frequency AC, eliminating mechanical transmission components and their associated reliability issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the generator by controlling the electrical load and using power electronics to regulate output frequency and voltage. The system maintains constant electrical output parameters (50Hz or 60Hz) while allowing the mechanical input speed to vary, achieving speed conversion through electrical parameter control rather than mechanical gearing.
2Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical gearboxes are used for speed conversion, then constant frequency output is achieved, but maintenance requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical gearbox assemblies with a power electronic converter consisting of rectifier circuits, DC link capacitors, and inverter circuits. This electrical system achieves frequency stability through electronic control of switching devices, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving frequency precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic control of power electronic switching devices to adapt to varying input speeds. The converter system can dynamically adjust its operation to maintain constant output frequency regardless of input variations, providing frequency stability through active electrical control rather than fixed mechanical gearing.
3Productivity
If variable speed operation is used in renewable energy systems, then energy harvesting efficiency improves, but power grid compatibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses power electronic converters to change the electrical parameters of the generated power. The rectifier-inverter system converts variable frequency AC from the generator into constant frequency AC suitable for grid connection, allowing the generator to operate at variable speeds for optimal energy harvesting while delivering stable power to the grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a power electronic converter as an intermediary between the variable speed generator and the constant frequency power grid. This intermediary device decouples the generator's speed variations from the grid's frequency requirements, enabling both variable speed operation for efficiency and grid-compatible output stability.
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 enhances the durability and efficiency of renewable energy conversion by maintaining constant frequency and voltage outputs while reducing the risk of mechanical failures, allowing for scalable and reliable power generation from variable renewable sources.
Implementation Method 1
The control system also has application in infinitely variable transmissions, for direction control and turning control as well in controlling pumps and compressors
Implementation Method 2
two spur/helical gear Transgear gear assemblies having an input, an output, and a control including a control motor may convert variable renewable input energy (wind, water and solar energy) into a constant rotational speed output for generating an electrical output of constant frequency
Data Source
AI summary
Three variable gear assemblies called Transgears, an electro-mechanical rotary frequency converter, and a variable overlap generator (VOG), may be used independently and together to provide constant frequency and voltage output power from variable input water flow and wind speed. Two sets of three variable spur/helical gear assemblies of sun and planetary gear sets are combined in a mechanical three variable control to form an assembly called a Hummingbird. A Hummingbird control may comprise a constant speed control motor and a constant speed generator to produce required constant frequency and voltage. In order to provide a constant control input, a constant rotational speed can be produced by a control motor. Once a constant rotational speed is produced, a constant electric frequency and constant AC voltage can be produced by the variable output generator.