Control Device for Motor Torque Fluctuation Network Interference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Torque fluctuations in electric motors connected to networks cause electrical interference, such as flicker, which existing solutions fail to address effectively and efficiently, often requiring costly and bulky centrifugal masses to mitigate.

Innovation Solution

A control device that processes information about torque fluctuations to generate output signals that counteract network loads, eliminating the need for centrifugal masses by intervening in the interaction between mechanical and electrical energy, using existing converter systems and integrating with motor controllers to reduce interference dynamically and cost-effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a large centrifugal mass (flywheel) is used on the motor shaft to buffer uneven mechanical load, then network disturbances such as flicker are reduced, but construction volume, weight and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork disturbances (flicker)VSAvoidweight of motor unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical flywheel system with a control device that uses electronic processing. The control device receives information about network load from torque fluctuations and generates output signals to counteract these fluctuations, substituting physical mass with electronic control to reduce network disturbances without increasing weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device acts as an intermediary between the mechanical load fluctuations and the network. It processes information about the load and generates compensating signals that are transmitted to the converter, mediating the interaction to eliminate disturbances without requiring physical buffering mass

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a large centrifugal mass (flywheel) is used on the motor shaft to buffer uneven mechanical load, then network disturbances such as flicker are reduced, but construction volume and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork disturbances (flicker)VSAvoidconstruction volume of motor unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical flywheel system with a control device that uses electronic processing. The control device receives information about network load from torque fluctuations and generates output signals to counteract these fluctuations, substituting physical mass with electronic control to reduce network disturbances without increasing volume

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device uses inexpensive electronic components and software processing instead of expensive, bulky mechanical flywheels. The solution relies on information processing and control algorithms that are cost-effective compared to physical mass-based solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Weight of stationary object

If a control device processes information about network load to generate counteracting output signals, then centrifugal masses can be eliminated or reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of motor unitVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is integrated into the existing converter control system, making the control unit multi-functional. It handles both the conventional motor control tasks and the additional task of detecting network load fluctuations and generating compensating signals, thereby avoiding additional hardware complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control device merges the flywheel's buffering function with the electronic control system. By combining the information processing and signal generation capabilities within the existing converter control, the patent eliminates the need for separate mechanical buffering components while maintaining system functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2845310B1Control device for eliminating malfunctions in a network
Publication Date: 2016.09.07 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2845310B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2845310B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2845310B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device (1) for reducing electrical malfunctions in a network (2) which are caused by torque fluctuations of an electric motor (4), in particular flicker. For simple and cost-effective minimising or even correction of such malfunctions a control device (1) is proposed. Said control device (1) has at least one first input (7) for supplying an input signal (8) which contains information suitable for determining the loading of the network by torque fluctuations and at least one output (9) for emitting an output signal (10) to at least one converter (3) supplying the electric motor (4). In this way it is possible to reduce or ideally to eliminate electrical malfunctions in a network (2) which are caused by torque fluctuation of the electric motor (4).