Switched Reluctance Generator Priming via Engine Idle Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage electric drive machines with switched reluctance generators face challenges in regulating common bus voltage when the auxiliary power converter malfunctions, leading to insufficient priming and failure in starting the generator, which disrupts power distribution to electrical devices.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a controller determines the operational state of the auxiliary power source and operates the engine at a predetermined idle speed to prime the common bus and enable the generator to regulate the bus voltage, ensuring proper startup and operation even if the auxiliary power source is inoperative.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary power converter is used to prime the common bus during startup, then the generator can be enabled to regulate the bus voltage, but the system reliability deteriorates when the auxiliary power converter malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary priming of the common bus using the auxiliary power converter during normal operations. However, the controller is configured to detect priming status and automatically switch to an alternative priming method (operating the engine at high idle speed) if the auxiliary power converter fails, ensuring the generator can still be enabled without system downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that monitors the operational state of the auxiliary power converter and mediates between the auxiliary power source and the generator. When the auxiliary power converter is inoperative, the controller intermediates by commanding the engine to operate at high idle speed to prime the common bus, thereby maintaining system functionality
2Reliability
If the engine operates at high idle speed to prime the common bus when auxiliary power source fails, then the generator can be enabled, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts engine operating speed based on real-time detection of auxiliary power source status. The engine operates at normal speeds during healthy conditions but transitions to high idle speed only when the auxiliary power converter fails and priming is required, minimizing unnecessary energy consumption while ensuring generator startup capability
Solution Approach 2:
The controller changes the engine speed parameter from normal operating speed to high idle speed specifically when the auxiliary power source is determined to be inoperative. This parameter change enables the generator to be primed and enabled, and the controller returns the engine to normal operation once the generator is functional, optimizing energy usage
Data Source
AI summary
A method of priming a common bus of a machine having an engine, a generator and an auxiliary power source is provided. The method may determine an operational state of the auxiliary power source, operate the engine at a predetermined idle speed if the auxiliary power source is determined to be inoperative, and enable the generator to regulate the common bus in response to the predetermined idle speed of the engine.