Variable Torque Motor-Generator With Switchable Winding Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical generators and motors face efficiency losses when operating outside their specified RPM and torque ratings, particularly in renewable energy systems and hybrid vehicles, due to limited RPM and torque ranges, leading to inefficiencies in power conversion and emissions.
Innovation Solution
A motor/generator/transmission system with reconfigurable rotor/stator sets and actuators that dynamically engage and disengage stator windings, allowing for variable torque and RPM conditions, and switch between parallel and series winding configurations to optimize efficiency under changing power demands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electrical generators and motors operate outside their specified RPM and torque ratings, then they can adapt to variable power demands, but efficiency losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of stator windings through actuators that can switch between parallel and series connections, allowing the motor/generator to adapt its electrical characteristics in real-time to varying RPM and torque demands, thereby maintaining efficiency across a broader operating range
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters by reconfiguring stator winding connections (parallel to series and vice versa) to alter the torque-RPM characteristics, enabling the motor/generator to operate efficiently at different points along its performance curve without incurring significant efficiency losses
2Adaptability or versatility
If reconfigurable rotor/stator sets with actuators are used to dynamically engage and disengage stator windings, then variable torque and RPM conditions are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motor/generator is divided into multiple rotor/stator sets with independent actuators for each stator winding, allowing selective engagement and disengagement of individual windings to achieve variable torque and RPM conditions while maintaining modular control
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators serve multiple functions by controlling both the engagement/disengagement of stator windings and the reconfiguration between parallel and series connections, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and managing system complexity
3Reliability
If stators are moved by actuators controlled by a common interconnected controller, then engagement with magnetic field is optimized, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple actuators are controlled by a single common interconnected controller that coordinates their operation, merging control functions to optimize magnetic field engagement across all rotor/stator sets while managing control complexity through centralized coordination
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
Enhances efficiency and reduces emissions by adapting to variable power sources, increasing generating potential and extending the operating range of hybrid vehicles, improving battery life and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor includes a ring of equally spaced magnets circumscribing a center axis, and the stators each include a ring of equally spaced cores with windings circumscribing a center axis coaxial with the magnet ring
Implementation Method 2
The rotor magnet ring may be radially inside a stator core ring or outside a stator core ring (e.g., so the magnets and the stator core faces are radially opposite one another and separated by a gap)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an electric generator and motor transmission system that is capable of operating with high energy, wide operating range and extremely variable torque and RPM conditions. In accordance with various embodiments, the disclosed system is operable to: dynamically change the output “size” of the motor/generator by modularly engaging and disengaging rotor/stator sets as power demands increase or decrease; activate one stator or another within the rotor/stator sets as torque/RPM or amperage/voltage requirements change; and/or change from parallel to series winding configurations or the reverse through sets of 2, 4, 6 or more parallel, three-phase, non-twisted coil windings with switchable separated center tap to efficiently meet torque/RPM or amperage/voltage requirements.