Synchronous Generator Rectifier Housing for Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical power generating systems for vehicles using high voltage direct current (HVDC) distribution face challenges in reducing the size and weight of diodes and filters, while minimizing DC bus voltage ripple and the use of active power switches.
Innovation Solution
A synchronous generator with multiple stator armature windings and housed rectifiers, configured to output multiple three-phase voltages, which are then rectified and filtered in series to produce a stable DC voltage, reducing the size and weight of diodes and filters, and minimizing the use of active power switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a synchronous generator with multiple stator armature windings and housed rectifiers is used, then the size and weight of diodes and filters are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple rectifiers and their associated filters into a single integrated housing structure. The first rectifier, second rectifier, first filter, and second filter are all housed together in one common housing, merging what would traditionally be separate discrete components into a unified assembly. This reduces the overall weight and size while managing the complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The common housing serves multiple functions: it houses the rectifiers, contains the filters, provides structural support, and facilitates the series connection between filters. This multi-functional design reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall system weight and complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple rectifiers and filters are integrated in series, then DC bus voltage ripple is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filtering function into multiple segments - a first filter connected across the first rectifier and a second filter connected across the second rectifier. These segmented filters are then connected in series, with each segment handling a portion of the voltage ripple reduction task. This segmentation approach reduces DC bus voltage ripple more effectively than a single filter while keeping each individual filter segment manageable in size.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple filtering operations are merged into a single integrated filter housing. The first filter and second filter, along with their associated rectifiers, are housed together in a common structure and electrically connected in series, combining their ripple-reduction effects while managing complexity through unified housing.
3Device complexity
If active power switches are minimized, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates active power switches from the rectification process by using passive diode rectifiers instead. This removes the need for complex active switching devices and their control circuits, significantly reducing device complexity. The manufacturing precision requirements are managed through the precise winding and assembly of the passive rectifier components.
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
The solution results in improved packaging, reduced weight of filters, and minimized use of active power switches, while generating a DC output voltage with reduced DC bus voltage ripple, enhancing the efficiency and performance of the electrical power generating system.
Implementation Method 1
A synchronous generator may comprise a rotor, a stator comprising a first armature winding configured to output a first three-phase voltage, and a second armature winding configured to output a second three-phase voltage
Implementation Method 2
a first rectifier configured to rectify the first three-phase voltage received from the first armature winding, and a second rectifier configured to rectify the second three-phase voltage received from the second armature winding
Data Source
AI summary
A synchronous generator may comprise a rotor and a stator. The stator may comprise a first armature winding configured to output a first three-phase voltage and a second armature winding configured to output a second three-phase voltage. The synchronous generator may further comprise a first rectifier configured to rectify the first three-phase voltage received from the first armature winding, and a second rectifier configured to rectify the second three-phase voltage received from the second armature winding.