Vacuum Pump Motor Flux Control for Noise and Heat Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum systems operate at less than 100% efficiency, resulting in higher electrical power consumption, waste heat, and acoustic noise, which increases energy inefficiency and costs, particularly in environments where noise is a concern, and requires additional cooling measures to manage heat buildup.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum system with a control mechanism that adjusts the magnetic flux of the electric motor and cooling arrangement based on pumping requirements, reducing energy losses and noise by optimizing power and torque distribution, and controlling cooling dependent on flux values to minimize heat and noise generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the electric motor operates at high power to meet pumping requirements, then the pumping performance is improved, but energy losses and waste heat increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepumping performanceVSAvoidenergy losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamic control of magnetic flux in the electric motor, adjusting the flux level according to the actual pumping requirements. At partial load conditions, the flux is reduced proportionally with the load, allowing the motor to operate more efficiently across varying pumping demands rather than maintaining constant high flux. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling high pumping performance when needed while minimizing energy losses during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic flux parameter of the electric motor based on load conditions. By reducing the flux parameter at partial load, the motor achieves better efficiency and reduced energy losses. This parameter change is implemented through control of the motor's excitation current or field winding, allowing optimization of the motor's operating point to resolve the energy loss issue while maintaining pumping performance when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the magnetic flux in the electric motor is increased to improve power output, then the power generation is improved, but waste heat and acoustic noise increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidwaste heat and acoustic noise
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic adjustment of magnetic flux in the electric motor, reducing flux at partial load conditions to minimize waste heat and acoustic noise generation. The flux is increased only when high power output is actually required for pumping demands, creating a dynamic balance between power generation and harmful factor reduction. This resolves the contradiction by making the flux level responsive to actual operational needs rather than maintaining constant high levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Temperature

If additional cooling arrangements are added to remove waste heat, then the temperature control is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful waste heat from reduced flux operation into a benefit by using it to drive the vacuum pumping process more efficiently. By operating the motor at optimized flux levels, the overall system efficiency improves, and the heat generated is a natural byproduct of the pumping work rather than excess waste requiring additional cooling. This resolves the contradiction by reducing the need for additional cooling arrangements while maintaining temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 approach reduces energy losses, minimizes waste heat, and decreases acoustic noise, leading to improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption, while maintaining system reliability and performance across varying load conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the control is arranged to control the magnetic flux generated in the electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic flux: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a cooling arrangement for cooling the vacuum system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3146216B1Vacuum system
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 EDWARDS LTD
  • EP3146216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3146216B1 patent drawingFigure 2~6

AI summary

A vacuum pump (12) with dynamic control (16) of cooling fan (18) speed and motor (14) flux is provided to reduce transmitted noise and waste heat and provide a quieter, more efficient vacuum system (10).