Switched Reluctance Generator Adaptive Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control systems for switched reluctance generators in electric drive assemblies are cumbersome and costly to program for transient states, as they require consideration of numerous variables and conditions, making them inefficient for fluctuating engine or generator speeds.

Innovation Solution

A control system that includes a converter circuit and a controller capable of determining the operational state of the electric drive, selectively engaging either a map-lookup control scheme or a fixed-theta off control scheme based on engine speed and output characteristics, to adaptively manage generator operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a map-lookup control scheme is used for transient states, then control adaptability is improved, but device complexity and programming cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol adaptabilityVSAvoidprogramming complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control scheme is segmented into two distinct modes: map-lookup control for steady-state conditions and fixed-theta off control for transient conditions. The controller determines the operational state and selectively engages the appropriate control scheme, dividing the control problem into manageable segments rather than attempting to handle all conditions with a single complex map-lookup approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically switches between different control schemes based on the operational state of the electric drive. The controller continuously monitors conditions and adapts the control approach in real-time, engaging map-lookup control when appropriate and fixed-theta off control during transient states, making the system flexible without requiring exhaustive preprogramming for all possible transient scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If map-lookup control is implemented for all states, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome programming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoidease of programming
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control approach is segmented by operational state: map-lookup control provides precise control for steady-state conditions where preprogrammed data is available, while fixed-theta off control handles transient states with a simpler, more easily implemented approach. This segmentation maintains control precision where needed while improving ease of programming overall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed-theta off control scheme acts as a simpler, more disposable control approach for transient states where exhaustive preprogramming is impractical. Rather than investing significant programming resources to handle every possible transient scenario with high precision, the system uses a straightforward fixed-theta off method that is easier to implement and modify.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If control profiles consider all possible variables and conditions, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system segments reliability requirements by operational state: map-lookup control provides reliable, prevalidated control for steady-state conditions, while fixed-theta off control provides adequate, simpler control for transient states. This segmentation achieves overall system reliability without requiring complex preprogramming for all possible transient scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its control strategy based on operational state, switching between map-lookup and fixed-theta off control. This dynamic approach maintains reliability by using the more robust map-lookup control when conditions are stable and predictable, while accepting the simpler fixed-theta off control during transient periods where complete preprogramming is impractical.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9340113B2Switched reluctance generator integrated controls
Publication Date: 2016.05.17 CATERPILLAR INC
  • US9340113B2 patent drawing
  • US9340113B2 patent drawing
  • US9340113B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A control system for a generator of an electric drive is provided. The control system may include a converter circuit configured to communicate with one or more phases of a stator of the generator, and a controller in communication with the converter circuit and an engine associated with the electric drive. The controller may be configured to determine an operational state of the electric drive based on at least engine speed, and engage one of a map-lookup control scheme and a fixed-theta off control scheme for operating the generator based on the operational state of the electric drive.