Hybrid Engine Generator Output Controller Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hybrid-type engine generators experience noise issues due to rapid engine speed changes caused by load output demand fluctuations, leading to unpleasant 'groan sound' or 'engine rev-up sound', which prior technologies have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid-type engine generator output controller that includes a load output demand detecting unit, a load output demand increase/decrease determination unit, and an output control unit to manage power between the engine generator unit and battery, using a first power converter to supply discharge power during increasing load demands and a second power converter to use generated power as charge power during decreasing demands, thereby smoothing engine speed changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If engine speed is increased to meet increasing load output demand, then power output is improved, but noise increases due to engine speed changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower outputVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The battery acts as an intermediary energy source between the load and engine generator unit. When load output demand increases, the battery supplies additional power to meet the demand without requiring immediate engine speed increases, thereby reducing noise. The control unit coordinates power distribution from both the battery and engine generator unit to satisfy load requirements while maintaining quieter engine operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes the operating parameters of the engine generator unit and battery based on load conditions. By adjusting the power contribution from each source according to load output demand, the system can maintain engine speed at lower, quieter levels while still meeting power requirements through battery supplementation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If engine speed is rapidly adjusted to respond to sudden load changes, then responsiveness is improved, but groan sound noise and engine rev-up sound increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoidgroan sound noise

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The battery serves as a buffer that absorbs sudden load changes, preventing direct transmission of these changes to the engine generator unit. This intermediary role allows the engine to operate more smoothly without rapid speed adjustments, thereby reducing groan sound noise and engine rev-up sound while maintaining system responsiveness through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The battery provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-charged and ready to supply power when load demands suddenly increase. This预先 prepared energy reservoir cushions the engine from sudden load changes, preventing rapid engine speed adjustments and the associated unpleasant noises.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Power

If battery output is used to supplement engine generator unit, then power output stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to dual power converters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output stabilityVSAvoiddual power converters

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power converters are designed with multi-functionality to reduce overall system complexity. The first power converter not only converts battery output but also manages power flow between the battery and engine generator unit. The second power converter handles both engine generator unit output conversion and battery charging functions. This universal design allows dual power converters to achieve power output stability while minimizing added complexity through shared functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration effectively minimizes rapid engine speed changes, reducing noise by smoothly adjusting engine speed and power distribution between the engine generator unit and battery, thereby reducing unpleasant noise levels.

Implementation Method 1

equipped with a battery and an engine generator unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

controls a first power converter so as to supply a discharge power from the battery along with a generated power of the engine generator unit to the load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11569767B2Hybrid-type engine generator output controller

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

In an output control of a hybrid-type engine generator equipped with a load output demand detecting unit, a load output demand increase/decrease determination unit and an output control unit, a configuration is adopted whereby load output demand from (output required by) the load is detected, increase/decrease of the detected load output demand is determined, discharge power from the battery is added to generated power output of the engine generator unit when detected load output demand is determined to be increasing, and output of the engine generator unit is controlled so as to use some generated power output of the engine generator unit as charge power of the battery when detected load output demand is determined to be decreasing.