Inverter Generator Electrical Angle Estimation via ECU Pulses

Solution Overview

Problem

Inverter generators require additional sensors to estimate electrical angles in synchronous electric motors, increasing complexity and cost.

Innovation Solution

An inverter generator system that estimates electrical angles using pulses generated by an ECU, eliminating the need for additional sensors by connecting the ECU directly with the converter and inverter, allowing for accurate angle estimation through pulse analysis and communication protocols.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If additional sensors are installed on the synchronous electric motor to obtain electrical angle information, then the converter can accurately control the conversion mode, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidsensor quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method that uses the relationship between motor rotation angle (obtained from ECU pulses) and generator electrical angle through a mathematical model. Instead of directly measuring electrical angle with sensors, the system calculates it as an intermediary value based on known motor parameters and rotation position, thereby avoiding additional sensors on the generator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the electrical angle information by calculating it from motor rotation data. The estimation unit generates electrical angle data that replicates what would be obtained from direct measurement, using the motor's rotation angle as a reference and applying the appropriate transformation relationship, thus eliminating the need for physical sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If additional sensors are installed on the synchronous electric motor to obtain electrical angle information, then the converter can accurately control the conversion mode, but the system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method that uses the relationship between motor rotation angle (obtained from ECU pulses) and generator electrical angle through a mathematical model. Instead of directly measuring electrical angle with sensors, the system calculates it as an intermediary value based on known motor parameters and rotation position, thereby avoiding additional sensors on the generator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the electrical angle information by calculating it from motor rotation data. The estimation unit generates electrical angle data that replicates what would be obtained from direct measurement, using the motor's rotation angle as a reference and applying the appropriate transformation relationship, thus eliminating the need for physical sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If additional sensors are installed on the synchronous electric motor to obtain electrical angle information, then the converter can accurately control the conversion mode, but the system architecture becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical angle measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem architecture

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electrical angle estimation function into the existing converter control system. The estimation unit is integrated with the converter, and the calculation of electrical angle is combined with the existing pulse processing from the ECU. This consolidation avoids adding separate measurement systems and simplifies the overall architecture by utilizing existing components for multiple purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary calculation method that uses the relationship between motor rotation angle (obtained from ECU pulses) and generator electrical angle through a mathematical model. Instead of directly measuring electrical angle with sensors, the system calculates it as an intermediary value based on known motor parameters and rotation position, thereby avoiding additional sensors on the generator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8916982B2Inverter generator

Publication Date: 2014.12.23 TOSHIBA MASCH CO LTD

AI summary

An inverter generator used in combination with a motor and an ECU generating a pulse at each predetermined rotation angle of the motor is comprised of: an electric generator driven by the motor configured to generate alternating current electric power; estimating means for estimating an electrical angle of alternating voltage of the alternating current electric power from the pulse, the estimating means being electrically connected with the ECU; a converter configured to convert the alternating current electric power into direct current electric power, the converter electrically connected with the electric generator and the estimating means; and an inverter configured to convert the direct current electric power into alternating current output electric power, the inverter electrically connected with the converter.