Modular Variable Speed Drive with Interchangeable Supercapacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable speed drives are configured during manufacture with either energy storage and regeneration or a braking resistor, limiting user flexibility without additional cost options.
Innovation Solution
A modular variable speed drive design allowing users to choose between a braking resistor or energy storage and regeneration functions by interchangeable modules, including a DC power supply bus, inverter module, and switching arms with electronic switches and supercapacitors, enabling removable and interchangeable cassettes for either function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the drive is configured with energy storage and regeneration means during manufacture, then the drive can recover braking energy, but the user loses flexibility to choose braking resistor instead without additional cost options
Solution Approach 1:
The drive is divided into functional modules: a fixed first switching arm and interchangeable second modules. The second module can be configured as either energy storage means (with supercapacitor) or braking resistor means, allowing users to select the appropriate module based on their needs without paying for unused functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The second module is designed with universal compatibility to perform multiple functions - it can be configured as either energy storage means or braking resistor means using the same switching arm and connection interface. This allows a single module design to serve multiple purposes based on component selection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the drive includes both energy storage means and braking resistor means, then all user needs are covered, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of including both energy storage and braking resistor components permanently in the drive, the system segments these functions into separate interchangeable second modules. Users only install the module type they need, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to meet all user needs through module selection.
3Device complexity
If a braking resistor is used to dissipate braking energy, then the system is simpler, but energy is wasted without recovery capability
Solution Approach 1:
The braking energy that would normally be dissipated as waste heat by the resistor is instead captured and stored in the supercapacitor when the energy storage module is used. The same switching arm and module interface serve both the energy-dissipating and energy-recovering functions, converting what would be harmful energy loss into useful stored energy.
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 user-selectable braking resistor or energy storage and regeneration without additional cost, providing flexibility and efficient energy management by allowing the same switching arm to be used with either module, optimizing energy handling based on user needs.
Implementation Method 1
a second module (M2) comprising means for storing and regenerating the electrical energy generated during the braking of the electrical load, the storage means comprising at least one super-capacitor (UC)
Implementation Method 2
a first module (M1) comprising a braking resistor (Rf) intended to dissipate the electrical energy generated during the braking of the electrical load
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a variable-speed drive (1), comprising: a DC power supply bus provided with a positive line (10) and a negative line (11); a bus capacitor (Cb) connected between the positive line (10) and the negative line (11) of the DC power supply bus; an inverter module (13) supplied with power by the DC power supply bus and controlled so as to provide a variable voltage to an electrical load (C); a first switching branch (100) connected between the positive line (10) and the negative line (11) of the bus and including at least one first electronic switch (T1); and a first module (M1) comprising a braking resistor, or a second module (M2) comprising a means for storing and regenerating the electrical energy generated during the braking of the electrical load (C), wherein the first module and the second module are removable and interchangeable.