Dynamically Reconfigurable Motor Windings for Efficiency Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor and generator systems in variable speed applications face inefficiencies due to standard three-phase configurations, which lead to suboptimal performance, increased cost, and complexity, especially in high-power applications where wide frequency ranges pose design challenges for both motors and power electronics.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically adjusts the number of poles and phases of motor windings through power converters, allowing for the injection of high-order harmonic currents to improve performance indices, enabling flexible configuration and optimized operation across a wide speed range without the need for mechanical gearboxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard three-phase motor configuration is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but system efficiency and performance are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of motor windings to change the number of phases and poles during operation. Power converters dynamically adjust winding connections between different phase configurations (e.g., three-phase, six-phase, twelve-phase) based on operating conditions, enabling the motor to optimize performance across wide speed ranges without mechanical gearboxes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (number of phases, number of poles, winding connections) to optimize motor performance. By adjusting these parameters through power electronic converters, the motor achieves improved efficiency and torque characteristics at different operating points while maintaining a fixed physical structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed pole configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to variable speed requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The motor system dynamically reconfigures its electrical parameters including number of poles and phases through power converters. This enables continuous adaptation to variable speed requirements by changing winding connections without mechanical moving parts, achieving wide speed range operation with a single motor design.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor is designed with universal capability to operate in multiple phase configurations (three-phase, six-phase, twelve-phase) and pole combinations. This multi-functionality allows a single motor structure to serve various speed and torque requirements, replacing the need for multiple specialized motors or mechanical gearboxes.
3Power
If high-power applications require wide frequency ranges, then power handling capability is improved, but design complexity for motor and power electronics increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power conversion system is segmented into multiple independent power converters, each handling a specific phase or winding group. This segmentation allows distributed power handling capability while simplifying individual converter designs, as each converter operates at lower voltage and current stress compared to a single high-power converter.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (frequency, voltage, current distribution) by reconfiguring winding connections. At different frequency ranges, the motor switches between different phase configurations to maintain optimal power density and efficiency, reducing design complexity across the wide frequency spectrum.
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 enhances system efficiency, reduces cost and weight, and allows for better power handling with reduced insulation and cabling requirements, making it suitable for demanding applications like electric vehicles and wind power generation.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting currents of a plurality of windings of a motor through a plurality of power converters coupled to the plurality of windings so that the number of poles and the number of phases of the motor are dynamically adjustable
Implementation Method 2
injecting a plurality of high-order harmonic currents into the plurality of windings of the motor through controlling the plurality of power converters to improve a performance index of the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes adjusting currents of a plurality of windings of a motor through a plurality of power converters coupled to the plurality of windings so that the number of poles and the number of phases of the motor are dynamically adjustable, and injecting a plurality of high-order harmonic currents into the plurality of windings of the motor through controlling the plurality of power converters to improve a performance index of the motor.