Multi-Terminal Electrical Machine With Integrated Power Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems with active front end (AFE) power converters are bulky and expensive, and they require additional components like switchboards and power converters, which increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The proposed electrical machine features a stator with multiple stator coil groups connected to independent power electronic switching assemblies, allowing for selective control of switching modules to manage power flow between different machine terminals, thereby eliminating the need for external power converters and switchboards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional AFE power converters with external switchboards are used, then power conversion and distribution is achieved, but system complexity, cost, and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power conversion function and power distribution function into a single integrated electrical machine. The stator coil groups are directly connected to multiple sets of machine terminals, eliminating the need for external AFE power converters and switchboards. This integration reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable power conversion and distribution capabilities through the machine's inherent multi-terminal architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical machine is designed with multi-functionality to perform both power conversion and power distribution simultaneously. By providing multiple sets of machine terminals (first machine terminals and second machine terminals) that can independently connect to different loads or power sources, the machine serves as a universal component replacing multiple separate devices including AFE converters, switchboards, and power distribution equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple external power converters and switchboards are used, then power control and distribution is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into multiple independent terminal groups (first machine terminals connected to first loads, second machine terminals connected to second loads) that can be selectively controlled. Each stator coil group can be independently connected to different terminal sets through the switching assembly, providing flexible power flow control without requiring multiple external power converters or switchboards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions (power conversion, power distribution, and switching control) into a single electrical machine with multiple machine terminals. This integration eliminates the need for separate external power converters and switchboards, reducing the number of components while maintaining the adaptability to control power flow to different loads independently.
3Ease of operation
If AFE power converters with DC links are used, then bidirectional power flow is achieved, but system bulk and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical machine provides bidirectional power flow capability through its inherent multi-terminal architecture. Power can flow from the rotor circuit to different sets of machine terminals (first machine terminals or second machine terminals) depending on which loads or power sources are connected. This eliminates the need for separate AFE power converters with DC links, significantly reducing system volume while maintaining operational flexibility.
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 enables a compact and flexible power system with reduced costs and increased efficiency, as it allows for independent control of power flow and eliminates the need for external power conversion and switchgear.
Implementation Method 1
Each electrical machine comprises a stator with a stator winding. The stator winding comprises a plurality of stator coil groups, each stator coil group being electrically connected to a respective switching module. When current is commutated through the stator coils by the switching modules, electromagnetic forces are generated to drive the rotor or generate electrical energy.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an electrical machine that includes first machine terminals electrically connectable to first loads and second machine terminals electrically connectable second loads. A stator of the electrical machine includes first stator coil groups, each first stator coil group defining a stator phase and having interconnected first stator coils, and second stator coil groups, each second stator coil group defining a stator phase and having interconnected second stator coils. A power electronic switching assembly that includes first switching module assemblies electrically connected to or between the first machine terminals and second switching module assemblies electrically connected to or between the second machine terminals. Each first switching module assembly includes interconnected first switching modules. Each first switching module is electrically connected to a first stator coil group. Each second switching module assembly includes interconnected second switching modules. Each second switching module is electrically connected to a second stator coil group.