Vehicle Generator Rectifier Modules With Communication Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle generators with three-phase full-wave rectifiers face issues as all power MOS transistors are controlled by a single controller, leading to system failure if the controller malfunctions, making it difficult to maintain partial power generation and fault detection across phases.
Innovation Solution
The vehicle generator employs rectifier modules connected through a communication line, where each module includes a pair of series-connected MOS transistors, and a power generation control device that uses pulse train signals to control excitation current and exchange data, enabling continued partial power generation even if one module faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all power MOS transistors are controlled by a single controller, then the control system is simple, but the system reliability deteriorates because the entire system fails when the controller malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into multiple independent rectifier modules, each with its own control capability. Each rectifier module can independently control its associated power MOS transistors, allowing the system to segment control functions across multiple units rather than relying on a single centralized controller. This segmentation enables partial system operation even when some modules fail, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If controllers are provided for each phase group to improve reliability, then system reliability improves, but the device complexity increases making it difficult to control phase current and locate faults
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of multiple rectifier modules into a unified control architecture where a single controller manages all rectifier modules through standardized communication protocols. Each rectifier module maintains independent control capability while communicating with the central controller, allowing coordinated control of phase currents and centralized fault diagnosis. This merging approach achieves high reliability through modular independence while avoiding the complexity of completely distributed control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where each rectifier module monitors its own operational status and communicates this information to the central controller. The controller receives status feedback from all modules and uses this information to coordinate control actions and identify faults. This feedback system enables the controller to maintain synchronized operation of all rectifier modules while quickly locating failures through status monitoring, thereby managing complexity through intelligent coordination rather than structural complexity.
3Reliability
If rectifier modules are connected through communication lines to exchange control data, then partial power generation can continue during faults, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal communication protocol and standardized interface design for all rectifier modules, allowing the same communication infrastructure to serve multiple functions: coordinate control signaling, status monitoring, fault diagnosis, and data exchange. This universal communication system enables the network to perform various tasks through a single standardized channel, reducing the need for separate dedicated communication paths for each function and thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving high fault tolerance.
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 configuration allows the vehicle generator to reliably perform partial power generation when a fault occurs, improving fault detection and phase current control across the system.
Implementation Method 1
a rotor wound with a field winding for energizing magnetic poles of the rotor; a stator wound with a stator winding as a multi-phase winding for generating an AC voltage depending on a rotating magnetic field generated by the field winding
Implementation Method 2
each of the rectifier modules includes a pair of a first MOS transistor and a second MOS transistor series-connected between positive and negative terminals of a battery
Data Source
AI summary
The vehicle generator includes a rotor wound with a field winding, a stator wound with a stator winding, rectifier modules respectively connected to corresponding output terminals of the stator winding, and a power generation control device to control a power generation voltage of the vehicle generator formed from outputs of the rectifier modules by controlling an excitation current flowing through the field winding. Each of the rectifier modules includes a pair of a first MOS transistor and a second MOS transistor series-connected between positive and negative terminals of a battery. The rectifier modules are connected with one another through a communication line. The rectifier modules exchange data regarding control of the first and second MOS transistors of the rectifier modules by a pulse train signal transmitted on the communication line.