Multi-Stator Vehicle Electrical Machine with Transfer Circuit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle electrical systems with multiple voltage levels require complex configurations and additional components to manage power transfer between different on-board networks, limiting efficiency and flexibility in operation.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle electrical system with a multi-phase electrical machine featuring two stator systems in star connection, connected via a transfer circuit with diodes and switches, allowing direct electrical coupling and pulse-width-modulated control for bidirectional power transfer between on-board networks, enabling operation as a motor or generator in both networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a DC converter is used to transfer power between two on-board networks with different voltage levels, then power transfer between voltage levels is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of the electrical machine and the DC converter into a single integrated system. The electrical machine with two stator systems directly enables bidirectional power transfer between the two on-board networks without requiring a separate DC converter, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining power transfer capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical machine serves multiple functions: it acts as a motor for drive functions, as a generator for energy recovery, and as a DC converter for power transfer between different voltage levels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function

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

2Power

If traditional electrical machine configuration is used in multi-voltage systems, then basic motor/generator functions are provided, but conduction losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor generator functionVSAvoidconduction losses
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer circuit acts as an intermediary between the two stator systems, providing a direct low-impedance connection path. This intermediary structure enables efficient power transfer with reduced conduction losses compared to traditional configurations that would require power conversion through intermediate stages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If direct coupling of stator systems is implemented, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconduction lossesVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic switching control where the switches in the transfer circuit are controlled based on the operating mode (motor, generator, or DC converter mode). This dynamic control approach enables the system to adapt to different operating conditions while maintaining simple control logic for each specific mode

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

This configuration simplifies power transfer between on-board networks without the need for a DC converter, enhances start-up behavior, and reduces conduction losses, offering adjustable energy transfer directions and improved efficiency in buck and boost operations.

Implementation Method 1

the transfer circuit comprises a first diode and a second diode connected in opposition and in series

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the electric machine, which can also be operated as a motor in a vehicle with an electrified drive train

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the three high-side switches of the first inverter and the three low-side switches of the first inverter can be controlled with pulse width modulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPulse width modulation:

Data Source

PatentEP2822806B1Vehicle with electrical machine and method for operating the same
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • EP2822806B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2822806B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2822806B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle having a multi-phase electrical machine, comprising a first partial on-board network (BN1') having a first nominal DC voltage and a second partial on-board network (BN2') having a second nominal DC voltage. According to the invention, the electrical machine has a rotor (7), a first stator system (5) and a second stator system (6), the first partial on-board network (BN1') comprising a first inverter (13) having a first intermediate circuit capacitor (11), wherein the first stator system (5) is associated with the first inverter (13), and the second partial on-board network (BN2') comprising a second inverter (14) having a second intermediate circuit capacitor (12), wherein the second stator system (6) is associated with the second inverter (14). The first stator system (5) is designed in a star connection and the second stator system (6) is designed in a star connection, and a transfer circuit (9a) connects the star point of the first stator system (5) to the star point of the second stator system (6).