Galvanically Isolated Dual-Winding Machine for Vehicle Power Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle electrical systems face challenges in ensuring reliable power transfer between electrical networks, particularly in the event of a main network failure, due to insufficient power capacity and risk of fault propagation from the main to the secondary circuit.
Innovation Solution
A device with an electric machine having multiple sets of armature windings separated by galvanic isolation, along with switching and control means for reversible power conversion, allowing efficient transfer of electrical power between networks while maintaining safety through galvanic isolation and efficient power regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electrical network is used to power vehicle actuators, then the system structure is simple, but the vehicle cannot operate reliably in the event of network failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical network into two separate networks (first electrical network and second electrical network) that are galvanically isolated from each other. Each network independently powers critical actuators, ensuring that a failure in one network does not propagate to the other. This segmentation directly resolves the contradiction by improving reliability through network separation while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
2Reliability
If power is transferred from main network to secondary network, then backup power capability is provided, but fault propagation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dual three-phase electrical machine with galvanic isolation as an intermediary between the first and second electrical networks. The machine includes two independent sets of armature windings (first set connected to first network, second set connected to second network) that are galvanically isolated. This intermediary structure enables bidirectional power transfer capability while preventing fault propagation, as the galvanic isolation acts as a barrier that blocks electrical faults from crossing between networks.
3Reliability
If multiple sets of armature windings with galvanic isolation are used, then fault propagation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a dual three-phase electrical machine where a single device performs multiple functions: it can operate as a motor converting electrical energy to mechanical energy, as a generator converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, and as a galvanically isolated power transfer interface between two electrical networks. The two sets of armature windings share common magnetic circuits and control systems, allowing one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components, thus achieving fault isolation without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Power
If electrical power is transferred between networks through electrical machine, then power capacity is sufficient, but energy losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of the dual three-phase electrical machine to optimize power transfer efficiency. The control system can dynamically adjust the operating mode (motor or generator mode) and control parameters based on real-time power flow requirements between the two networks. This dynamic operation allows the system to maintain high efficiency across varying power transfer conditions by operating the electrical machine in its optimal efficiency range, thereby reducing energy losses while maintaining sufficient power capacity.
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
Enables reliable and efficient power transfer between electrical networks, ensuring vehicle operation even in the event of main network failure, with improved safety and reduced energy losses, and supports functions like regenerative braking and Start/Stop technology.
Implementation Method 1
converting electrical energy into mechanical energy
Implementation Method 2
converting mechanical energy into electrical energy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The device comprises an electric machine (3) comprising at least two sets of armature windings (31, 32) separated by galvanic isolation. First switching means (10) for connecting a first set of armature windings (31) to a first electrical network (1), are separated by galvanic isolation from the second switching means (20) for connecting a second set of armature windings (32) to a second electrical network. The first switching means (10) are driven so as to exchange in a reversible manner a first electrical power with the first set of armature windings (31). The second switching means (20) are driven so as to exchange a second electrical power with the second set of armature windings (32). A positive, respectively negative, sum of the two powers exchanged then corresponds to a conversion of electrical power into mechanical power, respectively of mechanical power into electrical power.