Torque Determination Algorithm Segmentation for Electrical Machines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining electrical torque in electrical machines are insufficient, particularly at varying speeds, as they fail to accurately limit torque to prevent injuries and ensure safe operation in hazard situations, such as in industrial machinery and electric vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A method involving two distinct algorithms for determining electrical torque in different speed ranges, with one algorithm providing more accurate results in a higher speed range and another in a lower speed range, using machine and operating parameters like rotor resistance and magnetic flux to adjust and correct calculations, and selecting the appropriate algorithm based on speed data and machine type.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single algorithm is used to determine electrical torque across all speed ranges, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates at certain speed ranges

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque determination accuracyVSAvoidalgorithm complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The speed range is divided into multiple segments (first speed range and second speed range), with each segment having its own optimized algorithm. This segmentation allows each algorithm to be tuned for specific speed characteristics, improving overall measurement precision without requiring a single overly complex algorithm to handle all conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If different algorithms are used for different speed ranges, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque determination accuracyVSAvoidcontrol software complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects which algorithm to use based on the current operating speed. The controller automatically switches between the first and second algorithms according to the detected speed range, providing adaptive optimization without requiring manual intervention or complex configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If torque limiting functions are implemented for safety, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted machine performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety in hazard situationsVSAvoidmachine performance restriction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The torque limiting function dynamically adjusts the torque parameter based on operating conditions and speed range. By using different algorithms for different speed ranges, the system can apply appropriate torque limits that ensure safety while minimizing unnecessary restrictions on machine performance in each specific operating condition

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS9146166B2Method and apparatus for determining an electrical torque of an electrical machine
Publication Date: 2015.09.29 SIEMENS AG
  • US9146166B2 patent drawing
  • US9146166B2 patent drawing
  • US9146166B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining an electrical torque of an electrical machine includes determining an electrical torque in a first speed range with a first algorithm, and determining the electrical torque in a second speed range with a second algorithm which differs from the first algorithm. An upper limit of the second speed range is slightly higher than a lower limit of the first speed range. An apparatus is provided to determine the electrical torque of the electrical machine with the aforedescribed method.