Multiphase Electrical Machine With Integrated Auxiliary Windings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiphase electrical systems require additional heavy power electronics for motoring and generating, leading to reduced efficiency due to weight and losses from transformers and rectifiers.
Innovation Solution
An electrical machine with a stator and rotor that generates six phases of AC power, utilizing auxiliary windings to convert to three phases for motoring, and de-energizing them during generation, along with integrated power electronics like rectifiers and transformers to produce DC power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional power electronics (transformers and rectifiers) are used to convert multiphase power to DC, then power conversion functionality is achieved, but system weight increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transformer and rectifier functions directly into the electrical machine by integrating auxiliary windings that perform both transformation and rectification. The auxiliary windings are coupled to main windings through switches, creating an integrated structure that eliminates separate power electronics components while maintaining the required power conversion functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary windings serve multiple functions: they act as transformers to convert multiphase power to single-phase power, and simultaneously function as rectifiers to produce DC output. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated transformer and rectifier components, reducing system weight and improving efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional power electronics (transformers and rectifiers) are used to convert multiphase power to DC, then power conversion functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transformer and rectifier into a single integrated structure within the electrical machine. The auxiliary windings are physically coupled to the main windings through switches, creating a unified device that performs both power transformation and rectification, thereby reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional power electronics are used for motoring and generating, then both functions are achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical machine is designed with universal capability to perform both motoring and generating functions. The auxiliary windings are configured to work with main windings during motoring to provide three-phase operation, and during generating to convert multiphase output to single-phase DC, eliminating the need for separate power electronics for each function and significantly reducing overall system weight.
4Adaptability or versatility
If transformers and rectifiers are used for power conversion, then DC power output is achieved, but commutation losses and parasitic losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the rectifier function directly into the auxiliary windings that are coupled to main windings, the patent eliminates the need for separate transformer-rectifier assemblies. This integration reduces commutation losses by eliminating intermediate conversion stages and reduces parasitic losses by removing separate magnetic cores and windings, while still achieving the required DC power output capability.
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 three-phase motoring and multiphase power generation in a single package, reducing the need for additional power electronics, weight, and losses, thereby improving system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The rotor is couplable to a prime mover configured to turn the rotor relative to the stator to generate at least six phases of alternating current (AC) power
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of switches is respectively coupled between the auxiliary windings and groups of the main windings. The plurality of switches is configured to convert the at least six phases to three phases when the plurality of switches is closed.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical machine is provided. The electrical machine includes a stator, a rotor, and a plurality of switches. The stator includes main windings and auxiliary windings. The rotor is couplable to a prime mover configured to turn the rotor relative to the stator to generate at least six phases of alternating current (AC) power at the main windings. The plurality of switches is respectively coupled between the auxiliary windings and groups of the main windings. The plurality of switches is configured to convert the at least six phases to three phases when the plurality of switches is closed.