Energy Converter Torque Curves for Total Loss Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy conversion devices, such as wind and tidal turbines, face inefficiencies due to the focus on maximizing aerodynamic or hydrodynamic efficiency alone, which neglects the significant impact of mechanical and electrical losses, particularly in small systems.
Innovation Solution
A method that employs a global optimization approach to minimize mechanical and electrical losses, considering both aerodynamic or hydrodynamic efficiency and losses associated with components like generators, power converters, and inverters, to determine optimal operating parameters, such as power or torque curves, using techniques like least squares or genetic algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional aerodynamic optimisation is used, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for multiple loss models and global optimisation
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors aerodynamic conditions, calculates mechanical losses, models electrical losses, and determines optimal operating parameters all within a single device. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one integrated control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-optimisation by automatically calculating the optimal operating parameters based on real-time conditions without requiring external intervention. The control unit continuously adjusts generator torque and converter settings to minimise total losses, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for external control infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If small scale systems are designed with traditional approaches, then design is simplified, but efficiency deteriorates because losses have higher weight in overall system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the relative weighting of loss parameters in the optimisation calculation to reflect their higher impact in small-scale systems. By adjusting the optimisation algorithm to give appropriate weight to mechanical and electrical losses (which constitute a larger proportion of total losses in small systems), the system achieves higher efficiency without requiring complex design modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and associated apparatus for determining at least one parameter of an energy conversion device, the method comprising determining one or more losses associated with the energy conversion device; determining at least one parameter of the energy conversion device by improving, varying, optimising or maximising at least one operational variable and/or output of the energy conversion device (such as a power output of the energy conversion device) by reducing, minimising or optimising the one or more losses or a function thereof; and determining a value, range or function of at least one parameter of the energy conversion device (such as a power or torque curve) associated with, or that results in, the improvement, variation, optimisation or maximisation of the at least one operational variable (e.g. power output) and/or output of the energy conversion device and/or that results in the reduction, minimisation or optimisation of the one or more losses.