Multiphase AC Generator System for Ship Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stand-alone electric power generation systems in ships face inefficiencies due to constant rotational speed requirements for generators, leading to high fuel consumption and expensive DC components, with existing systems struggling to optimize power distribution and frequency control effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that produces multiphase AC voltage with adjustable frequency and substantially constant voltage, allowing for optimized rotational speed of prime movers to minimize fuel consumption and enable flexible power distribution without the need for specific frequency converters, using independent rotational speed and amplitude references to adjust magnetic flux and optimize system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotational speed of prime movers is kept constant to maintain stable frequency, then the system operates reliably, but fuel consumption increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the prime mover rotational speed to vary dynamically rather than remaining constant. The system allows speed adjustments within a range while maintaining stable AC voltage output through coordinated control of multiple prime movers, thereby reducing fuel consumption while preserving system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by allowing frequency to vary within acceptable ranges (e.g., 45-55 Hz) rather than maintaining a fixed nominal frequency. This parameter change enables optimization of fuel consumption while still providing stable power to consumers through voltage regulation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple rectifiers are used for each generator to enable DC distribution, then power flexibility is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a power generation system that can serve multiple functions without requiring separate conversion equipment for each generator. The system provides both AC and DC power distribution capabilities through a unified architecture, eliminating the need for individual rectifiers at each generator while maintaining flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power conversion functions by consolidating rectification capabilities at the distribution level rather than requiring separate rectifiers for each generator. This combining approach reduces the total number of components while maintaining the ability to provide both AC and DC power to consumers
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 allows for reliable and robust AC power transmission, optimizing fuel consumption and reducing costs by maintaining full power availability across varying frequencies, with potential savings of up to 10% compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
one or more generators (1, 2, 3 and 4) for producing electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
An electric power generation system and a method in an electric power generation system. The system comprising one or more generators for producing electrical energy, each generator being arranged to be driven with a corresponding prime mover, wherein the generators are multiphase AC generators adapted to generate a multiphase voltage having a frequency and an amplitude, the phase outputs of the generators are connectable to a common multiphase bus for distributing the electrical energy generated by the AC generators, the system comprises further means for providing independent reference values for a rotational speed of the prime movers and for amplitude of the multiphase voltage, the rotational speed of the prime movers defining the frequency of the multiphase voltage, and the system is adapted to operate in at least three operation points on the basis of the provided independent reference values, an operation point being defined by a ratio of the amplitude of the multiphase voltage to the frequency of the multiphase voltage, wherein the at least three operation points are different.