Linear Motor Drive System with Segmented Stator Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing linear motor drive systems for amusement park vehicles face limitations in achieving high speeds due to voltage and current constraints, leading to reduced drive power and increased energy losses, while also being costly and requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The system features permanently connected stator groups with individual energy transformers and active cooling, allowing simultaneous energy supply to multiple stator groups, eliminating the need for switches and reducing energy losses, and utilizing decentralized energy transformers and power supply buses for efficient energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If series circuit connection of stator sections is used, then voltage design can be reduced, but maximum achievable drive power is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The stator is divided into multiple independent stator groups, each with its own energy transformer. This segmentation allows parallel operation of multiple stator groups, enabling higher total power output while maintaining manageable voltage levels for each individual group.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple stator groups are operated in parallel rather than series, combining their power outputs to achieve higher total drive power while each group operates at optimized voltage levels through dedicated energy transformers.
2Strength
If parallel connected switch devices are used to bridge stator sections, then voltage design can be reduced, but energy losses increase due to voltage drop at switches
Solution Approach 1:
The switching function is extracted and integrated into the energy transformers themselves, which are designed to handle switching operations without the energy losses associated with separate parallel switch devices. The energy transformers directly control power delivery to stator groups without intermediate switching elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Energy transformers serve as intermediary devices between the power supply and stator groups, eliminating the need for separate switch devices and their associated energy losses. The transformers provide both power conversion and switching functions in a single component.
3Ease of operation
If rotor length is reduced to enable load-free switching, then switching can be performed without load, but drive system performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transformers perform switching operations under load conditions rather than requiring the rotor to be positioned for load-free switching. The system serves itself by integrating switching capability into the power supply infrastructure, eliminating the need to compromise rotor length for switching purposes.
4Ease of manufacture
If individual energy transformers are permanently connected to each stator group, then manufacturing and maintenance costs are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent units, each serving a specific stator group. This modular segmentation simplifies manufacturing and maintenance by allowing independent replacement and testing of individual transformer-stator assemblies, despite the overall system having multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
Each energy transformer unit is designed as a universal module that can independently power and control a stator group. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by using standardized components rather than custom-designed integrated systems.
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 enables higher acceleration performance, reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs, and allows for shorter acceleration distances while maintaining reliable operation and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a stator (19) with at least two stator elements (2) with stator windings (47) arranged along the travel route (1)
Implementation Method 2
a rotor (217), which is secured on the vehicle (3) and which is able to interact with a magnetic field generated by the stator (19)
Implementation Method 3
each stator group (4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4) is permanently connected to its own at least one energy transformer (5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4) for power supply
Implementation Method 4
the stator (19) is furthermore preferably actively cooled
Implementation Method 5
utilizing decentralized energy transformers and power supply buses for efficient energy management
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a linear motor drive system for the acceleration of a vehicle within an acceleration section on a travel route. The linear motor drive system comprises a stator with at least two stator elements arranged along the travel route, the stator elements are assembled to form at least two stator groups. Moreover, the linear motor drive system comprises a rotor, which is secured on the vehicle. Each stator group is permanently connected to its own at least one energy transformer for its power supply, which can be individually actuated. At least two of the stator groups are arranged such that the rotor can interact at the same time with the at least two stator groups. The invention furthermore relates to the use of the linear motor drive system for the acceleration of a vehicle 3 for passenger transportation in an amusement park.