Electric Starter Current Injection for Motor Parameter Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining characteristic parameters of electric machines connected to electric starters are imprecise, leading to approximate adjustment of losses, which depend on the electric machine and are influenced by cable resistance, without full identification of machine parameters.

Innovation Solution

An electronic determination device that uses the switching arms of the electric starter to generate current injections in the electric machine at standstill, allowing for precise calculation of parameters like stator resistance, rotor resistance, leakage inductance, and main inductance through current and voltage measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If approximate adjustment of losses is used with electric starter, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of machine parameters by controlling the electric starter to generate specific voltage waveforms before normal operation. This preliminary measurement phase allows accurate determination of characteristic parameters without affecting subsequent operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control module periodically generates different voltage waveforms through the electric starter's switching arms to excite the electric machine at standstill. These periodic excitation signals enable accurate parameter identification while maintaining simple operational control through automated waveform switching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If full identification of machine parameters is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electric starter's switching arms are made multi-functional by controlling them to generate different voltage waveforms for parameter identification, in addition to their normal starting function. This eliminates the need for separate identification hardware, maintaining device simplicity while achieving full parameter measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The electric machine itself serves as the measurement instrument by using its own windings and magnetic circuit to respond to excitation signals. The machine's electrical characteristics directly provide the parameter information needed, eliminating complex external measurement equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If current injection method is used at standstill, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidloss of time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by injecting current only into specific phases through selected switching arms while leaving other phases inactive. This selective excitation reduces the total measurement time compared to comprehensive multi-phase testing, while still obtaining all necessary parameter information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3832881B1Electronic device and method for determining at least one characteristic parameter of an electric machine connected to an electric starter, related power supply chain and computer program
Publication Date: 2024.04.10 SCHNEIDER TOSHIBA INVERTER EUROPE SAS
  • EP3832881B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3832881B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3832881B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This electronic determination device (20) is configured for determining at least one characteristic parameter of an electric machine (12) with P phases (22), P ≥ 3, connected to an electric starter (14) and including at least P-1 switching arms (24), each switching arm (24) being connected to a respective phase (22) of the electric machine (12). This determination device (20) comprises a control module (30) configured to control respective switching arm(s) (24) to close and the other switching arm(s) (24) to open, so as to generate a current injection on two phases (22) of the electric machine (12); an acquisition module (34) configured to acquire measurements of respective current(s) and voltage(s) for said two phases (22), further to the generation of the current injection; and a calculation module (36) configured to calculate at least one characteristic parameter of the electric machine (12) according to the respective current(s) and voltage(s) measurements.