Synchronous Generator Tunable Notch Filter Voltage Ripple

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical power generating systems for vehicles using synchronous generators suffer from voltage ripple in the output voltage due to the nature of power processing during rectification, which is not effectively mitigated by current technologies.

Innovation Solution

The system employs multiple stator armature windings with rectifiers and tunable notch filters, including variable inductors and auto-tuning notch filter control, to reduce voltage ripple by phase shifting the three-phase voltages and using capacitors and inductors to filter the DC voltages, thereby minimizing the size of diodes and capacitors and reducing active power switch usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a synchronous generator with rectifier is used to generate electric power, then electric power can be generated for the vehicle, but voltage ripple is present in the output voltage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power generationVSAvoidvoltage ripple
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single three-phase voltage system into multiple independent three-phase voltage systems (first, second, third armature windings). Each winding is connected to its own rectifier and filter circuit, allowing independent processing and ripple reduction through parallel operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple rectified DC voltage outputs into a single unified DC output. The filtered voltages from parallel armature windings are merged at the DC bus, achieving ripple cancellation through phase shifting while maintaining high power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If traditional filtering methods are used to reduce voltage ripple, then voltage ripple can be reduced, but the size of diodes and capacitors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage rippleVSAvoidfilter size
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs variable inductors with magnetically controllable inductance values that can be dynamically adjusted based on operating conditions. This allows the filter to adapt to different load and speed conditions, maintaining effective ripple filtering while minimizing component size across varying operating ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the filter components by using variable inductance values and phase shifting angles. By adjusting the phase shift between multiple armature windings and varying the inductor values, the system optimizes filtering performance without requiring large fixed-size components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-generated harmful factors

If multiple armature windings with phase shifting are used, then voltage ripple is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage rippleVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the multiple armature windings to serve dual functions: power generation and ripple reduction. The same windings that generate electrical power also provide phase-shifted voltages for ripple cancellation, eliminating the need for separate filtering systems and reducing overall complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own generated power to control the variable inductors and phase shifting mechanisms. The control windings are energized from the generated output, making the system self-regulating and reducing external control complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration results in reduced voltage ripple, smaller filter sizes, and lower weight, leading to improved packaging and efficiency in generating a stable DC output voltage with reduced DC bus capacitance.

Implementation Method 1

A first variable inductor may be configured to filter at least one of the first DC voltage, the second DC voltage, and a DC output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Implementation Method 2

The electric power generating system may further comprise a first tunable notch filter comprising, a capacitor, and the first variable inductor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Implementation Method 4

a first armature winding configured to generate a first three-phase voltage in response to rotation of the rotor, and a second armature winding configured to generate a second three-phase voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3373445B1Electric power generating system with a synchronous generator and tunable filter
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP
  • EP3373445B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3373445B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3373445B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A synchronous generator (110) may comprise a rotor (190) and a stator (192). The stator (192) may comprise a first armature winding (102) configured to output a first three-phase voltage, a second armature winding (104) configured to output a second three-phase voltage, and a first variable inductor (L1), wherein the first variable inductor (L1) is tunable in response to a rotational frequency of the rotor (190).