Electrical Machine Control for Minimum Current at Constant Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical machine control systems face inefficiencies in minimizing current while maintaining desired torque output, particularly at low frequencies where resistive losses are higher, and they lack adaptive voltage control strategies to optimize energy usage.

Innovation Solution

A controller system that employs modified scalar control, incorporating an IR compensation module, minimum current point tracking, and space vector modulation to dynamically adjust voltage and frequency, allowing for variable flux operation and minimizing current draw while maintaining torque output by iteratively determining the optimal voltage reference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If conventional voltage control is used to maintain torque output, then torque is maintained, but current consumption increases especially at low frequencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent consumptionVSAvoidtorque output stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts voltage and frequency based on operating conditions rather than using fixed control parameters. The controller continuously varies voltage and frequency to maintain optimal efficiency across different load conditions and frequencies, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and torque stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes multiple parameters simultaneously (voltage, frequency, and flux) to optimize performance. By adjusting these parameters together rather than independently, the system achieves lower current consumption while maintaining reliable torque output across varying operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If voltage is increased to maintain torque at low frequencies, then torque output is maintained, but resistive losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresistive lossesVSAvoidtorque output
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes multiple parameters (voltage, frequency, flux) in coordination to reduce resistive losses. By adjusting flux and frequency alongside voltage, the system maintains torque output without the need to simply increase voltage, thereby reducing I²R losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention skips the conventional approach of simply increasing voltage to maintain torque. Instead, it uses a coordinated parameter adjustment strategy that achieves torque maintenance through more efficient means, avoiding the energy loss associated with high voltage operation at low frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #21Skipping (Rushing through)

3Use of energy by moving object

If fixed flux operation is used, then control is simplified, but efficiency is reduced at varying load conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol strategy complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from fixed flux to variable flux operation, dynamically adjusting flux levels according to load conditions. This dynamic approach improves energy efficiency across varying loads while the controller manages the increased complexity through coordinated parameter adjustment algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control system achieves multi-functionality by using coordinated voltage, frequency, and flux adjustment to handle various operating conditions. This universal control strategy improves efficiency across different load scenarios while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Use of energy by moving object

If conventional control methods are used, then system operation is maintained, but current minimization is not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent drawVSAvoidcontrol adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to continuously monitor operating conditions and adjust voltage, frequency, and flux accordingly. This feedback-driven approach minimizes current draw by adapting control parameters to actual system state, achieving both current minimization and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system serves itself by automatically adjusting parameters based on operating conditions without requiring manual intervention. This self-adjusting capability achieves current minimization while maintaining ease of operation, as the system autonomously optimizes its performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively reduces electrical machine current consumption by dynamically adjusting voltage and frequency, optimizing energy efficiency across varying load conditions and frequencies, thereby enhancing overall system performance.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical machine (16) coupled to the power absorber (18) and operative to supply mechanical power to the power absorber (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3342037B1System having electrical machine and controller
Publication Date: 2024.06.05 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3342037B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3342037B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3342037B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A unique system may include a power absorber; an electrical machine coupled to the power absorber and operative to supply mechanical power to the power absorber; a drive coupled to the electrical machine and operative to supply electrical power to drive the electrical machine; and a controller communicatively coupled to the drive. The controller may be configured to execute program instructions to selectively vary a control voltage while maintaining a given torque output of the electrical machine, and to determine, based on varying the control voltage, a minimum current required for the electrical machine to maintain the given torque output.