UPS Flywheel Rotor Layout for Higher Torque and Power Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uninterruptible power supply (UPS) machines, such as those described in EP 1,533,884, have limitations in autonomy, power output, and recovery time after a network failure, restricting their use in applications requiring higher power and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
Replace the claw rotor with a more classic alternator rotor design featuring an iron core with poles and slots arranged to maximize active area and minimize slot space, allowing for increased electromagnetic coupling and torque, even at higher power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a claw rotor is used in the kinetic energy accumulator, then the machine size is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but the torque and power output are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the rotor by replacing the claw structure with a conventional laminated iron core rotor having poles and slots. This parameter change allows for increased torque and power output while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard rotor construction methods.
2Area of moving object
If the cumulative width of poles is made at least equal to the cumulative width of slots, then the active area is maximized and electromagnetic coupling is enhanced, but the slot space for windings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a specific parameter relationship where the cumulative width of poles is at least equal to the cumulative width of slots. This parameter optimization maximizes the active area for electromagnetic coupling while maintaining sufficient slot space for windings, achieving a balance between torque generation and winding accommodation.
3Power
If the rotor is designed for higher power output with increased active area, then the power range and flexibility are improved, but the autonomy duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the rotor can operate at different power levels. By designing the rotor with maximized active area and optimized pole-slot configuration, the system can deliver high power when needed while maintaining the capability to operate at lower power levels for extended durations, providing flexibility in autonomy-duration trade-offs based on application requirements.
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 new rotor design significantly enhances torque, stored energy, and power output, providing a wider range of use with shorter response times and increased autonomy, while maintaining a reduced footprint and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic coupling between the drum and the rotor in the event of a network failure in order to recover the kinetic energy stored in the drum
Implementation Method 2
a motor, called a Pony motor, to start the drum up to a certain given speed when the UPS starts up in order to accumulate kinetic energy in the drum
Implementation Method 3
drive the synchronous machine when a DC electric current is sent to the rotor coils via the exciter
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
UPS machine comprising a synchronous machine (9) coupled to an accumulator (10) of kinetic energy, which accumulator essentially comprises: a body (12) with a main shaft; a hollow drum (18) able to rotate about the axle; a pony motor, for starting the drum (18); a rotor (20) fastened to the main shaft coaxially with the drum (18), which is equipped with coils (24) in order to electromagnetically couple the drum (18) and the rotor (20); characterised in that: the rotor (22) comprises a core (21) made of iron with a certain number of poles (22) that are delineated by notches (23) parallel to the main shaft (11) and that are distributed around the circumference of the core (21) which, for each poll (22), is provided with a winding (24) wound in the notches (23) around the pole (22) in question; the cumulative width of all of the poles (22) in the narrowest portion thereof is at least equal to the cumulative width of the entirety of the notches in the widest portion thereof.