Multi-Bus Electric Drive System Voltage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric drive systems for machinery often require high-rated inverters and generators to meet intermediate power levels, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to tiered power ratings, where systems are designed with higher-rated components to accommodate the next available power level.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electric drive system with two electrical buses operating at different voltages, allowing for the use of generators and motors with different power and voltage ratings, thereby optimizing power distribution and reducing the need for high-rated components by using multiple generators and motors in parallel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single electrical bus system is used with high-rated generators and inverters to meet intermediate power levels, then the power supply capability is sufficient, but the system efficiency decreases and costs increase due to tiered power ratings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single electrical bus system into multiple separate electrical buses (first electrical bus and second electrical bus) operating at different voltages. Each bus is served by its own generator and motor pair, allowing each component to be sized appropriately for its specific power requirements rather than using oversized high-rated components for all applications.
2Power
If high-rated generators and inverters are used to accommodate intermediate power levels, then the power supply capability is sufficient, but the equipment cost increases due to tiered power ratings
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power distribution into multiple buses with different voltage levels, allowing generators and inverters to be selected from lower power rating tiers that are better matched to actual load requirements, thereby reducing equipment costs associated with tiered power ratings.
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrical bus is designed with specific voltage and power characteristics tailored to the requirements of its associated motor and load, allowing optimization of component ratings for each local application rather than using uniform high-rated components throughout the system.
3Loss of energy
If multiple generators and motors are used in parallel on different electrical buses, then component ratings can be optimized and efficiency improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into multiple buses does increase system complexity, it enables energy efficiency improvements that outweigh the added complexity. Each segmented bus-motor-generator combination can operate at optimal efficiency points, reducing overall energy losses compared to a single oversized system.
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 approach enables more precise power allocation, reducing energy waste and costs by allowing for the use of lower-rated components while maintaining necessary power levels, thus enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the electric drive system.
Implementation Method 1
A first generator is configured to provide electric current to the first electrical bus at a first voltage
Implementation Method 2
A second generator is configured to provide electric current to the second electrical bus at a second voltage that is different from the first voltage
Implementation Method 3
A first electric motor is coupled to the first electrical bus and configured to operate on electrical power from the first electrical bus at the first voltage
Implementation Method 4
A second electric motor is coupled to the second electrical bus and configured to operate on electrical power from the second electrical bus at the second voltage
Data Source
AI summary
An electric drive system for mechanical machinery. The electric drive system includes a first electrical bus and a second electrical bus each configured to operate at different voltages. A first generator is configured to provide electric current to the first electrical bus at a first voltage. A second generator is configured to provide electric current to the second electrical bus at a second voltage that is different from the first voltage. A first electric motor is coupled to the first electrical bus and configured to operate on electrical power from the first electrical bus at the first voltage. A second electric motor is coupled to the second electrical bus and configured to operate on electrical power from the second electrical bus at the second voltage. Mechanical power used to drive the mechanical machinery is generated by both the first electric motor and the second electric motor.