Starter-Generator Braking Control for Reverse Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Starter-generator devices face challenges in starting motors that rotate in the opposite direction to the nominal direction, leading to potential overvoltage and risk of deterioration of the starter regulation device, making them unavailable.

Innovation Solution

A method that includes a braking step before the starting phase, where the starter regulation device draws current from the stator winding and supplies it to the rotor winding, with the supply power being greater than or equal to the distribution power, to manage the power flow and prevent overvoltage on the supply bus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a braking stage is implemented before the starting stage when the motor rotates in the opposite direction, then the risk of overvoltage and damage to the starter regulation device is reduced, but the starting time is increased due to the additional braking phase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverisk of overvoltage and damage to starter regulation deviceVSAvoidstarting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of reverse rotation into a beneficial braking action. When the motor rotates in the opposite direction, the stator winding is short-circuited to generate electromagnetic braking torque, which dissipates the reverse rotational energy and protects the starter regulation device from overvoltage damage. This transforms a potentially harmful condition into a protective mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a preliminary braking stage before the normal starting stage. This preliminary action brings the motor to a stop or reduces its reverse rotation speed before applying the starting torque, thereby preventing damage to the starter regulation device and ensuring safe subsequent starting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the stator winding is short-circuited during the braking stage, then the motor is braked effectively, but power is lost during the braking phase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebraking effectivenessVSAvoidpower loss during braking
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the kinetic energy of reverse rotation, which would otherwise be wasted as heat through mechanical friction braking, into electrical energy through electromagnetic induction. The short-circuited stator winding generates braking torque while the induced currents dissipate the reverse rotational energy, transforming mechanical energy loss into controlled electrical energy dissipation that also provides protective braking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 effectively starts the motor by braking it to zero speed, reducing the risk of overvoltage and equipment unavailability, and allows for quicker engine readiness, particularly in aircraft applications.

Implementation Method 1

the stator winding is conventionally supplied with alternating current, which produces a rotating magnetic field in the stator. The rotor winding of the main machine is also supplied with direct current, which generates a magnetic field in the starter-generator's rotor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The rotor winding of the main machine is also supplied with direct current, which generates a magnetic field in the starter-generator's rotor. The rotor and shaft are then driven to rotate, in turn rotating the motor shaft and thus starting the motor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 3

the starter-generator converts the mechanical energy of the motor shaft's rotation into a polyphase alternating current (AC) to supply a user's electrical network.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3324035B1Method for controlling a starter-generator
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 THALES SA
  • EP3324035B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3324035B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3324035B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for controlling a starter-generator during the starting phase of a motor intended to be driven to rotate in a predetermined nominal direction by the starter-generator, said starter-generator comprising a stator including at least one polyphase stator winding and a rotor including at least one rotor winding magnetically coupled to the stator winding. The method includes a motor starting step (204) during which said at least one polyphase stator winding and the rotor winding are electrically energized so as to start the motor, said starting step (204) being preceded, when the motor initially rotates in the opposite direction to the nominal direction, by a braking step (203) during which a current is drawn from said at least one polyphase stator winding and the rotor winding is electrically energized.