Electric Motor Current Oscillation for In-Drive Heat Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for heat generation in vehicles using electrical motors are inefficient and limited in accessibility during driving, particularly affecting vehicles with redundant heating devices.

Innovation Solution

A computer system that controls electrical machines in vehicles to oscillate d and q currents between specific current values, maintaining a reference torque, to generate heat efficiently, even during normal operation, by using the electrical machine's existing components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If electrical motor is used for heat generation, then heating function is provided, but efficiency is poor and accessibility during driving is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generation accessibilityVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by oscillating the d and q currents between specific values while maintaining the reference torque. This oscillating current pattern generates heat in the electrical machine components (stator, rotor, magnets) during normal driving operation, making heat generation accessible whenever the motor is running without requiring separate heating cycles or modes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters (d and q current values) to achieve heat generation. By varying the current oscillation amplitude and frequency while maintaining constant torque output, the system can control the amount of heat generated in different components, optimizing both efficiency and accessibility during driving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating devices are provided in vehicle, then heating coverage is improved, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating coverageVSAvoidnumber of heating devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the electrical motor multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary function (producing torque for vehicle propulsion) and a secondary function (generating heat for cabin, engine block, or exhaust heating). This eliminates the need for separate dedicated heating devices, reducing vehicle complexity and production costs while maintaining comprehensive heating coverage.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical machine serves itself by generating its own heat during normal operation through controlled current oscillation. The heat generated within the motor components is utilized for vehicle heating needs, eliminating the need for external or separate heating systems and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If d and q currents are oscillated to generate heat, then heat generation efficiency is improved, but torque control precision must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generation efficiencyVSAvoidtorque control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual torque output and adjusting the oscillating d and q currents to maintain the reference torque. The control system ensures that despite the current oscillation used for heat generation, the net torque produced matches the desired reference torque, maintaining precision while achieving efficient heat generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 method allows for controlled heat generation in the electrical machine, reducing the need for additional heating devices and ensuring efficient heat production even at higher speeds.

Implementation Method 1

produce heat in the electrical machine by oscillating the d and q currents between the first and second set of current values while maintaining the reference torque

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

A computer system and method for heat generation... obtain a maximum achievable flux linkage of an electrical machine... produce heat in the electrical machine by oscillating the d and q currents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

a pulsating field in the rotor will heat the magnets of the electrical machine. This is especially important when dealing with permanent magnet materials that easily demagnetize at cold temperatures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field heating: Magnetic Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentEP4576559A1A computer system and method for heat generation
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4576559A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4576559A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4576559A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A computer system comprising processing circuitry configured to: obtain a maximum achievable flux linkage (ψ̂) of an electrical machine (10), obtain a reference torque ( Tcrop∗) of the electrical machine (10) based on the maximum achievable flux linkage (ψ̂), obtain a first set of d and q current values (Idmax, Iqmax) resulting in the reference torque ( Tcrop∗), obtain a second set of d and q current values (Idmin, Iqmin) resulting the reference torque ( Tcrop∗), and produce heat in the electrical machine (10) by oscillating the d and q currents between the first and second set of current values (Idmax, Iqmax, Idmin, Iqmin) while maintaining the reference torque ( Tcrop∗).