Tunable Halbach Magnet Array for Variable-Torque Electric Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric generators and motors operate efficiently only within a narrow range of rotational speeds and torques, leading to significant efficiency drops when operating outside their rated conditions, particularly in applications with variable power sources like renewable energy technologies.
Innovation Solution
Employing a tunable Halbach magnet array configuration in electric machines to dynamically adjust the magnetic field strength and wiring configurations, allowing for variable torque and rotational speed operation with high efficiency across a wide range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electric generators and motors operate at fixed magnetic field strength and wiring configuration, then efficiency is high near rated conditions, but efficiency drops dramatically when operating outside rated rotational speed and torque
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of magnetic field strength through a tunable Halbach magnet array that can rotate to different positions, and dynamic reconfiguration of wiring connections through switching mechanisms. This allows the electric machine to adapt its magnetic field characteristics and electrical connections in real-time based on operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high efficiency and expanding the operating range beyond rated conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters including magnetic field strength (via Halbach array rotation), wiring configuration (via switching between series/parallel connections), and operational mode (motor/generator). These parameter changes enable the system to optimize performance across varying rotational speeds and torque requirements, preventing the dramatic efficiency drops that occur in conventional fixed-configuration machines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric machines are designed for constant torque and continuous rotation, then performance is optimized at rated conditions, but performance degrades when torque and speed vary widely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms including a tunable Halbach magnet array that can adjust magnetic field strength, switching mechanisms that reconfigure wiring connections between series and parallel, and control systems that monitor operating conditions. These dynamic elements enable the electric machine to maintain high efficiency and reliable performance across widely varying torque and speed conditions, rather than being optimized only for constant rated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional electric machine that can operate efficiently in multiple modes: motor mode with variable torque, generator mode with variable speed, and intermediate transition states. The combination of adjustable magnetic fields and reconfigurable wiring allows a single machine to perform multiple functions and adapt to diverse operating requirements, maintaining reliability across the entire operating envelope rather than degrading when conditions vary from the rated point.
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
The system maintains high efficiency by adjusting magnetic fields and wiring configurations to match varying torque and rotational speed requirements, enhancing performance in variable power conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The rotary force causes electric current to be generated in one or more wire windings through interaction between magnetic fields created by magnets within the generator and the wire windings
Implementation Method 2
The rotary force causes electric current to be generated in one or more wire windings through interaction between magnetic fields created by magnets within the generator and the wire windings
Implementation Method 3
Employing a tunable Halbach magnet array configuration in electric machines to dynamically adjust the magnetic field strength
Data Source
AI summary
An) electric machine with variable torque generation having a tunable Halbach array configuration. The electric machine includes a magnet assembly for generating a magnetic field. The magnet assembly includes a plurality of fixed magnets disposed in a ring arrangement so that fixed magnets having a north pole faced toward the rotor or stator are alternated with fixed magnets having a south pole faced toward the rotor or stator, a plurality of rotatable magnets disposed within a respective slot formed between two adjacent fixed magnets, a drive assembly for turning the rotatable magnets within the slots to vary the magnetic field generated by the magnet assembly in the rotor or stator, the drive assembly configured to turn the rotatable magnets between a first position wherein the magnetic field in the rotor or stator is augmented and a second position wherein the magnetic field in the rotor or stator is cancelled.