Vernier Machine Flux Modulation for Wave Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Vernier-type electro-dynamic machines face challenges in efficiently converting low-speed ocean wave energy into electrical power due to limitations in voltage amplification and increased energy loss with conventional gearboxes, which are undesirable in underwater applications.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a unique electrical machine with permanent magnet pole pairs and teeth structured to form magnetic modulation poles, enhancing flux linkage and reducing torque ripple, allowing for improved power generation and efficiency by optimizing tooth and slot ratios and modulation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional gearboxes are used for voltage amplification in Vernier-type electro-dynamic machines, then power output can be increased, but energy loss increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gearbox system with an electromagnetic solution using a dual-stator structure. The first stator generates magnetic flux at low speed, and the second stator modulates this flux to directly produce high-voltage output without mechanical gear multiplication, thereby eliminating gearbox-related energy losses while achieving voltage amplification through magnetic flux harmonics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic flux harmonics as an intermediary mechanism between the low-speed input and high-voltage output. The dual-stator configuration creates specific harmonic flux patterns that directly couple the mechanical motion to electrical output at amplified voltage levels, serving as a mediator that eliminates the need for mechanical transmission components
2Power
If conventional gearboxes are used for voltage amplification, then power output can be increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical gearbox subsystem entirely by using electromagnetic flux modulation. The dual-stator arrangement with specific tooth configurations directly transforms low-speed mechanical motion into high-voltage electrical output through magnetic harmonics, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining power amplification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-stator structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first stator acts as the primary magnetic flux generator, the second stator acts as the flux modulator and voltage amplifier, and together they form the complete power conversion system without requiring separate gearbox, coupling, and control components
3Power
If gearboxes are used in underwater applications, then power transmission is achieved, but reliability decreases due to maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical gearboxes with an all-electromagnetic dual-stator system that has no moving mechanical parts requiring lubrication or adjustment. This eliminates the reliability issues associated with gearboxes in underwater environments, as the electromagnetic system has no seals, bearings, or meshing components that can fail
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic system operates without external maintenance or service interventions. The magnetic flux modulation occurs automatically through the interaction of the two stators, with no mechanical components requiring periodic lubrication, alignment, or replacement, making the system self-sufficient in remote underwater deployments
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 increases generator power output, improves power factor, and reduces torque ripple, enabling efficient conversion of low-speed ocean waves into electrical power with minimized equipment and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
Vernier-type machines may utilize magnetic flux harmonics to transfer energy between a stationary component and a movable component
Implementation Method 2
teeth structured to form magnetic modulation poles magnetically linking the first electro-dynamic component with the second electro-dynamic component for operation as a motor or a generator
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment is a unique Vernier machine comprising a rotor and a stator. The rotor comprises a back portion and a plurality of permanent magnets. The stator comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic arm structures, a plurality of ferromagnetic pole structures extending from each of the ferromagnetic arm structures in a direction toward the permanent magnets, and a plurality of conductive windings disposed about respective ones of the plurality of ferromagnetic arm structures. The ferromagnetic pole structures are structured to collect magnetic flux from the permanent magnets. The ferromagnetic pole structures of each of said ferromagnetic arm structures are spaced apart from one another according to a non-uniform pattern such that the ferromagnetic pole structures of a given ferromagnetic arm structure have substantially the same angular position relative to the permanent magnets radially opposite from the ferromagnetic pole structures of the given ferromagnetic arm structure.