Three-phase generator with adaptive taps for use in a transport climate control system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Transport climate control systems face challenges in accommodating varying AC and DC load requirements without the need for additional components like transformers or power factor correction circuits, particularly in scenarios where the supply voltage exceeds the energy storage management system's voltage range, leading to inefficiencies and power losses.

Innovation Solution

A three-phase generator is designed to concurrently provide different voltages to multiple components, including those that cannot receive the full supply voltage, without the addition of a transformer, by using a Y-configuration electrical stator with multiple coil turns and output taps to split the voltage into 25%, 50%, and 75% of the full output, allowing for efficient power distribution across various loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a transformer or power factor correction circuit is added to accommodate varying voltage requirements, then the system can provide different voltages to multiple components, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage accommodation capabilityVSAvoidsystem component count
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stator winding is segmented into multiple sections with different numbers of turns, creating distinct voltage taps (25%, 50%, 75% of full voltage) along the winding. This segmentation allows different components to be connected to different taps to receive appropriate voltages without requiring external transformers or correction circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The generator stator is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it generates full voltage for high-power components like the compressor while also providing reduced voltages (25%, 50%, 75%) for other components through intermediate taps. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate voltage transformation equipment.

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

2Power

If the generator provides full supply voltage to all components, then the power output is maximized, but components with lower voltage requirements experience overvoltage and power losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegenerator output powerVSAvoidpower loss in mismatched components
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Different sections of the stator winding have different numbers of turns, creating local variations in voltage output. Components are connected to specific taps based on their voltage requirements, ensuring each component receives the appropriate voltage level and operates efficiently without energy loss from overvoltage conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If intermediate output power leads are added to the stator winding, then different voltages can be provided to multiple components, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevoltage distribution capabilityVSAvoidstator winding assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stator winding is constructed with segmented sections that can be independently wound and assembled. Intermediate taps are incorporated at specific points along the winding, allowing for modular assembly and connection to different components without requiring complex external voltage division circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 improves power efficiency, reduces the need for additional components, and facilitates fuel savings, increased reliability, and cost-effectiveness by enabling continuous operation of transport climate control systems without overloading power sources, while meeting power quality regulations.

Implementation Method 1

A three-phase generator is designed to concurrently provide different voltages to multiple components... by using a Y-configuration electrical stator with multiple coil turns and output taps to split the voltage into 25%, 50%, and 75% of the full output

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3905468B1Three-phase generator with adaptive taps for use in a transport climate control system
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 THERMO KING CORP
  • EP3905468B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3905468B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3905468B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Technologies described herein are directed to a generator concurrently providing different voltages to multiple components, some of which are unable to receive the full supply voltage output by the generator, without the addition of an electronic power converter or a transformer to the apparatus or system.