Three-Phase Converter Control for Mixed Motor Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies struggle to simultaneously control three-phase motors in two-phase operation and single-phase motors at variable and different speeds using a three-phase converter.

Innovation Solution

A method and motor controller using a three-phase converter to energize a three-phase motor with two phases and a single-phase motor with two phases of the converter, employing pulse width modulation and circuit breaker switching to achieve simultaneous control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a three-phase converter is used to simultaneously control a three-phase motor in two-phase operation and a single-phase motor, then operational flexibility and efficiency are improved, but the control complexity and difficulty of simultaneous operation at variable speeds increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The three-phase converter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control both three-phase motors (in two-phase or three-phase operation) and single-phase motors simultaneously. The converter's control unit implements different switching patterns and modulation strategies depending on the motor type and operational requirements, allowing a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate control systems

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically adjusts switching frequencies, duty cycles, and phase configurations based on real-time operational demands. The converter can vary the number of active phases, modify pulse width modulation parameters, and adapt switching patterns to accommodate different motor types and speed requirements, enabling flexible simultaneous operation of multiple motors at variable speeds

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a three-phase motor is operated in two-phase operation using a three-phase converter, then the ability to simultaneously drive multiple motors is improved, but the precision of voltage control and switching timing becomes more difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to drive multiple motorsVSAvoidvoltage control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit pre-calculates and stores optimal switching patterns, duty cycles, and voltage modulation parameters for different operational scenarios. Before actual motor operation begins, the system prepares the appropriate control sequences based on the selected motor configuration, ensuring that precise voltage control is already established when the motors start running

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control system continuously monitors the actual voltage and current conditions of the motors being driven and adjusts the switching patterns and pulse width modulation parameters in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures that voltage control precision is maintained despite the complexity of simultaneously controlling multiple motors with different phase requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables the simultaneous operation of three-phase and single-phase motors at variable and different speeds, improving operational flexibility and efficiency in electrical household appliances.

Implementation Method 1

the three-phase motor is energized by means of a first phase and a second phase of the three-phase converter, and the single-phase motor is energized by means of the second phase and a third phase of the three-phase converter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4560915A1Method for simultaneously actuating a three-phase motor in a two-phase operation and a single-phase motor, motor controller and electric household appliance
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 MIELE & CO KG
  • EP4560915A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4560915A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4560915A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the simultaneous control of a three-phase motor (M1) in two-phase operation and a single-phase motor (M2, M3) of an electrical household appliance by means of a three-phase (U, V, W) converter in such a way that the three-phase motor (M1) is energized by means of a first phase (U) and a second phase (V) of the three-phase (U, V, W) converter and the single-phase motor (M2, M3) is energized by means of the second phase (V) and a third phase (W) of the three-phase (U, V, W) converter, wherein the three-phase motor (M1) is switched complementarily in the first phase by means of a first circuit breaker (T1) and a second circuit breaker (T2) and is switched complementarily in the second phase by means of a third circuit breaker (T3) and a fourth circuit breaker (T4).