Synchronous Machine Field Weakening Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing synchronous machine control systems for automotive applications are complex and costly, particularly when operating above nominal speed, as they require field weakening to increase speed, which can lead to control instability and high power requirements.

Innovation Solution

A device that calculates and limits the magnetic field-forming current in a rotor-revolving coordinate system to prevent control instability, reducing the torque-generating current limit based on the magnetic field-forming current, allowing efficient and cost-effective operation by determining the magnetic field-forming current as a function of setpoint values and using PI controllers for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If field weakening operation is used to increase speed above nominal speed, then speed is improved, but control stability deteriorates and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespeedVSAvoidcontrol stability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the magnetic field-forming current (Id) and torque-generating current (Iq) limits based on the operating point. The controller modifies current limits as functions of the desired speed and torque, ensuring optimal performance across different operating conditions. This is achieved through equations that calculate Id and Iq limits based on the electrical angle and desired current magnitude, preventing control instability during field weakening operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the current limits adaptive rather than fixed. The controller continuously adjusts the magnetic field-forming and torque-generating current limits based on real-time operating conditions (speed, torque demands). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain stability during transitions between different operating modes, particularly when operating above nominal speed with field weakening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If field weakening operation is used to increase speed above nominal speed, then speed is improved, but power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovespeedVSAvoidpower requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes power requirements by dynamically adjusting current limits based on the operating point. The controller calculates optimal magnetic field-forming and torque-generating current limits that minimize power consumption while achieving the desired speed. This is accomplished through equations that determine current limits as functions of electrical angle and desired current magnitude, ensuring efficient operation during field weakening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If complex control systems are used for synchronous machine operation, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves multi-functionality by implementing a unified control approach that handles both nominal speed operation and field weakening operation through a single controller structure. The same controller dynamically adjusts current limits based on operating conditions, eliminating the need for separate control systems for different operating modes. This reduces device complexity while maintaining control precision across the entire operating range.

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

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 solution enables efficient and cost-effective operation of synchronous machines by preventing control instability and reducing power requirements during field weakening operations, allowing for increased speed without exceeding typical tipping limits, thus improving the overall performance and efficiency of the machine.

Implementation Method 1

Synchronous machines are used in the field of automotive engineering, where they are used, for example, for steering systems in motor vehicles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The synchronous machine can also be operated as a generator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2015442B1Device for operating a synchronous machine
Publication Date: 2020.04.15 CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
  • EP2015442B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2015442B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2015442B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a coordinate system rotating with a rotor of a synchronous machine. Reference value (Id, ref) of magnetic field-generating current flowing in the system is determined independent of a magnetic field-generating gross reference current component (Id, refaux) and a magnetic field-generating current limit (Id, max) of the coordinate system. A torque-generating current limit (Iq, max) of the coordinate system is reduced in the region of margin of the reference value, independent of the gross reference current component and the magnetic field-generating current limit.