Bidirectional Motor Power Conversion for Peak Current Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor power control systems face inefficiencies due to power loss during voltage level changes and large current spikes caused by switching functionality, which can lead to increased battery temperature and reduced charge capacity.

Innovation Solution

A bi-directional energy converter system coupled with waveform controllers that can increase or decrease voltage levels and shape output voltage waveforms to match back emf profiles, reducing peak currents and internal losses.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If voltage level changes are implemented to match motor operating requirements, then power supply adaptability is improved, but power loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply adaptabilityVSAvoidpower loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the switching frequency and duty cycle of the converter circuits to optimize power transfer efficiency across different voltage levels. The system modifies operating parameters based on real-time conditions to minimize losses while maintaining adaptability to various motor voltage requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If switching functionality is used to change voltage levels, then voltage adaptability is improved, but current spikes increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage adaptabilityVSAvoidcurrent spikes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing soft-start sequences and gradual voltage transitions before full power switching occurs. The system prepares the circuit state in advance by gradually charging capacitors and ramping up current, preventing sudden current spikes when voltage levels change.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action through pulse-width modulation (PWM) and cyclic switching of power transistors to control voltage levels. This periodic switching allows current to be delivered in controlled pulses rather than continuous spikes, reducing peak current stress on the battery and motor windings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Loss of energy

If battery voltage is used directly without voltage conversion, then power efficiency is improved, but operating speed range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidoperating speed range
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by making the voltage conversion system adaptive and controllable in real-time. The converter circuits can dynamically adjust their transformation ratio based on motor speed requirements, allowing the system to maintain high efficiency across a wide operating speed range rather than being fixed at a single voltage level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances power efficiency by reducing peak currents and internal losses, prolonging battery life and maintaining efficient power supply to electric motors operating at various voltage requirements.

Implementation Method 1

a bi-directional energy converter configured: to receive a first input voltage at the first input/output terminal and generate a first output voltage in a first operating direction and receive a second input voltage at the second input/output terminal and generate a second output voltage in a second operating direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

shaping output voltage waveforms to match back emf profiles, reducing peak currents and internal losses

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBack electromotive force (back emf): Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12308776B2Motor control controller system and methods
Publication Date: 2025.05.20 ETA GREEN POWER LTD
  • US12308776B2 patent drawing
  • US12308776B2 patent drawing
  • US12308776B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an energy management system for a motor controller system for optimising power signals for different operating voltages of electrically commutated motors. The energy management system comprises a bi-directional energy converter comprising a first input/output terminal and a second input/output terminal, a first waveform controller, and a second waveform controller. The bi-directional energy converter is coupled to the first waveform controller and to the second waveform controller. The first waveform controller is coupled to the second input/output terminal and the second waveform controller is coupled to the first input/output terminal. The bi-directional energy converter is configured to receive a first input voltage at the first input/output terminal and generate a first output voltage in a first operating direction and receive a second input voltage at the second input/output terminal and generate a second output voltage in a second operating direction.