Energy Storage Unit Discharge via Stator and DC/DC Converter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical energy storage units in vehicle circuits, such as capacitors, face challenges in discharging when the rotor lacks an excitation winding, as conventional methods are not applicable, and excessive voltage can lead to safety issues and premature wear.
Innovation Solution
A method involving detection of voltage thresholds across the energy storage unit, with control systems managing the DC/AC and DC/DC converters, and stator winding currents to reduce voltage, allowing for efficient discharging regardless of the rotor configuration, and potentially utilizing the discharged energy in other sub-circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrical energy storage unit is discharged via the DC/AC voltage converter by providing a rotating short circuit on the arms, then the voltage across the terminals is reduced, but this method is not applicable when the rotor lacks an excitation winding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary discharge path through the DC/DC voltage converter and second electrical sub-circuit, which mediates the discharging process when the conventional DC/AC converter path is unavailable. This intermediary path allows the energy storage unit to be discharged through the stator winding or electrical consumer, making the system compatible with rotors that lack excitation windings.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control the DC/AC voltage converter for discharging when the rotor has an excitation winding, and alternatively control the DC/DC voltage converter for discharging when the rotor lacks an excitation winding. This multi-functionality ensures the discharging capability works across different rotor configurations.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the voltage across the energy storage unit terminals remains above the predefined value, then the energy storage unit maintains its charge, but this leads to safety issues and premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the voltage across the energy storage unit terminals and provides feedback control. When the voltage exceeds the predefined threshold, the control system activates the discharging process through either the DC/AC or DC/DC voltage converter, and continues until the voltage returns to the acceptable range, thus preventing excessive voltage damage while maintaining energy retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system takes preliminary action by detecting when voltage approaches the predefined threshold and initiates discharging before excessive voltage conditions develop. This preventive approach avoids safety issues and premature wear by acting in advance rather than waiting for harmful conditions to occur.
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
Effectively reduces voltage across the energy storage unit, preventing excessive wear and ensuring safety by circulating additional currents through the stator winding or DC/DC converter, while allowing for energy reuse in other sub-circuits, with control precision achieving voltage reduction within defined thresholds.
Implementation Method 1
controlling at least one from among the first switching system, the second switching system and the electrical consumer so as to reduce the voltage across the terminals of the electrical energy storage unit by circulating an additional current in the stator electrical winding
Data Source
AI summary
A method for discharging an electrical energy storage unit of an electrical circuit includes a first switching system defining a DC/AC voltage converter and interposed between a first electrical sub-circuit, which includes the electrical energy storage unit and the electrical winding of the stator of a rotary electric machine. A second switching system defines a DC/DC voltage converter interposed between the first electrical sub-circuit and a second electrical sub-circuit. At least one electrical consumer forms part of the first electrical sub-circuit. The method includes detecting that the voltage across the terminals of the electrical energy storage unit exceeds a predefined threshold, and controlling at least one of the first switching system, the second switching system and the electrical consumer so as to reduce the voltage across the terminals of the electrical energy storage unit by circulating an additional current in the stator electrical winding, second switching system, or electrical consumer.