Multi-Output Electrical Generator With Integrated Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical generators are limited in their ability to simultaneously output different types of electrical power, and they often require separate generators for components with varying power requirements. Additionally, there is a need for integrated thermal control solutions that can efficiently manage the temperature of components both electrically and non-electrically connected to the generator.
Innovation Solution
The electrical generator is designed to output multiple types of electrical power, including modulated alternating current and synchronous alternating current, while also providing a thermal control fluid for heating or cooling external components. This is achieved through a combination of conversion components, power converters, and a thermal control system that includes a tank, pump, heat exchanger, and fluid management pathways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate electrical generators are used to power different components with varying power requirements, then each component can receive the appropriate type of electrical power, but the number of devices required increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical generator is designed with a universal architecture that can simultaneously provide multiple types of electrical power (modulated AC and synchronous AC) through a single device. The generator includes a controller that can independently control different power outputs to match the requirements of various components, eliminating the need for multiple specialized generators while maintaining adaptability to different power needs
2Device complexity
If a single electrical generator outputs only one type of electrical power, then the generator design is simpler, but components with different power requirements cannot be simultaneously powered
Solution Approach 1:
The generator's power output is segmented into independent controllable channels, with the controller able to separately manage modulated AC output and synchronous AC output. This segmentation allows each power type to be independently optimized for specific components while maintaining a unified generator design, balancing simplicity with versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If thermal control is provided separately from the electrical generator, then thermal management can be optimized independently, but the overall system complexity increases and integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal control system is merged with the electrical generator as an integrated subsystem. The controller that manages electrical power outputs also controls the thermal control fluid flow, coordinating both electrical and thermal functions within a single unified system. This integration reduces the number of separate devices while maintaining the ability to independently optimize thermal management
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 generator can efficiently power multiple components with different electrical power requirements simultaneously, while also providing effective thermal management for both electrically and non-electrically connected components, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal control fluid can be directed into a heat exchanger that is external to the electrical generator but fluidly connected to the electrical generator to receive the thermal control fluid for heat exchange
Implementation Method 2
the thermal control fluid can be pumped back to the electrical generator for heat exchange before being returned back to the component
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical generator that is configured to simultaneously output different types of electrical power so that electrically powered components that require different types of electrical power can be simultaneously powered by the electrical generator. The electrical generator can be used at any location where electrically powered components that require different types of electrical power are utilized. Instead of or in addition to outputting different types of electrical power, the electrical generator can also be configured to output at least one type of electrical power as well as a cooling liquid for use in cooling an external heat generating component.