Modular Power Conversion System for Reversible Electromagnetic Devices

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular electromagnetic devices face challenges in achieving efficient power conversion due to isomorphism issues between modules, leading to noise currents and efficiency losses, and lack of fault tolerance, requiring precise manufacturing and mechanical calibration, which increases costs and reduces operational flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A modular electric power conversion system utilizing static AC/DC converters with a shared DC bus, intelligent converters with local control units, and a central control unit for synchronization and reconfigurability, allowing simultaneous motor and generator operation, online adjustments, and fault management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If modules are connected in parallel to provide poly-phase interface, then power conversion capability is improved, but isomorphism requirements cause noise currents and efficiency losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion capabilityVSAvoidefficiency losses

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the electromagnetic device into multiple independent single-phase modules, each with its own converter. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently without requiring isomorphism between modules, eliminating noise currents and efficiency losses while maintaining parallel power conversion capability through the common DC bus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If mechanical calibration is performed to achieve isomorphism, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but manufacturing costs and calibration time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion efficiencyVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical calibration system with an electronic control system. Each module's converter independently controls its power conversion without requiring mechanical alignment or calibration between modules, eliminating calibration time and costs while maintaining high efficiency through electronic regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If precise manufacturing is implemented to satisfy isomorphism requirements, then operational reliability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into independent modules with individual converters, the invention eliminates the need for precise manufacturing tolerances between modules. Each module can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining reliability through independent operation and fault isolation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If modules are made independently adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple independent single-phase modules with individual converters onto a common DC bus. This merging approach provides operational flexibility through independent module control while reducing overall system complexity by consolidating power conversion functions and eliminating the need for complex inter-module synchronization mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The system overcomes isomorphism issues electronically, reduces manufacturing constraints, enhances efficiency, and increases fault tolerance, enabling real-time reconfiguration and autonomous operation while minimizing recirculation currents and weight, making it suitable for vehicular applications.

Implementation Method 1

Electromagnetic devices (or 'electric machines') having reversible operation as a generator and as an electric motor, i.e. which can convert kinetic energy into electric power in a first operating mode (as a generator) and electric power into kinetic energy in a second operating mode (as a motor)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Each magnetic yoke 5 (or pair of magnetic yokes) forms a magnetic circuit with the respective pair of permanent magnets, which is adapted to contribute to the operation as a generator or, alternatively, as a motor of the electromagnetic device 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2830190B1Modular electric power conversion system for a reversible electromagnetic device

Publication Date: 2019.08.28 GE AVIO SRL

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A power conversion system (10) of the modular type for an electromagnetic device (1) is described, provided with a plurality of modules (2) having a reversible operation, operable either as a generator or as an electric motor. The power conversion system has a modular structure, with a plurality of converters (12), each connected to an assignable number of modules (2), and is provided with a control module (20; 21), to reconfigure the system, even during its operation, by defining an assignment between converters (12) and a respective number of modules (2), and/or the operation as a generator or as an electric motor of the same modules (2).